Get There, Pay Less with ORCA LIFT.
Discounted transit fares for hundreds of destinations around Puget Sound.
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ORCA LIFT quick facts
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$1.00* fare
Ride Bus, Train, and More for $1.00*
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Access 19 transit services
An ORCA LIFT card transfers across multiple modes of transit.
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80,000 riders
Thousands of people are already saving money!
*For most services. Does not apply on Kitsap Fast Ferry, Washington State Ferries, King County Water Taxi, or Monorail
Who is ORCA LIFT for?
ORCA LIFT provides reduced fare pricing on some transit agencies for eligible riders. It’s designed to make sure everyone in the Puget Sound region has access to safe and reliable transportation. With an ORCA LIFT card, you can save 50% or more on transit fares, making it simple to travel to work, school, or anywhere you need to go.
Eligibility Requirements
You must meet the following two (2) requirements to qualify for our ORCA LIFT low income savings program.
1. Age Requirement
Your age is between 18-64
2. Income Requirement
You are either:
- Enrolled in one of the following state benefit programs:
- Apple Health / Medicaid
- Washington Basic Food (EBT Card)
- WIC (Women Infants Children)
- Your gross income for the most recent 30 days is at or below:
| Family Size | Monthly Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,608 |
| 2 | $3,525 |
| 3 | $4,442 |
| 4 | $5,358 |
| 5 | $6,275 |
| 6 | $7,192 |
| 7 | $8,108 |
| 8 | $9,025 |
How to get an ORCA LIFT card
Proof of Identity
You will need one of the following:
- Driver’s Licence
- Passport
- Government issued ID
- Social Services Card
- Student ID
If you cannot prove your identity, call Public Health Access Program at 1-800-765-5437
Proof of Income
Proof of enrollment in the following State programs
- Apple Health/Medicaid (ProviderOne)
- Washington Basic Food (EBT Card)
- WIC (Women Infants Children)
Award Letters
- Statement from Unemployment
- Labor and Industries (L&I) statement
- Other award letters: Social Security, Supplemental Security Income
If you currently do not have any source of income
- Employment Security verification form (or screenshot from website) showing no income
If you are employed and paid by an employer
- Proof of gross income for last 30 days (paystubs, screenshot showing income before any deductions taken)
- If paid in cash, a statement signed and dated by employer stating gross income for the last 30 days; or a bank statement showing money deposited into your account
Self-employed
- Copy of your most recent tax return. Income is based on the modified adjusted gross income on your most recent tax return: Form 1040 line 37; Form 1040 A, line 21; Form 1040 EZ, line 4; or completion of the self-employment worksheet
- Gig Workers (Uber, Lyft, Door Dash): proof of your income (after expenses) for last 30 days
On the internet
Pick Your Eligibility Application Path:
- Apply with Proof of Qualifying Benefits Programs
- Apply with Proof of Washington State Opportunity Grant
- Apply with Proof of Qualifying Income
Sign Up for An Account with an active email address, password, and first and last name. Make sure to click “Send Verification Code” after entering “Email Address”. A code will be sent to you to copy over. Then you can confirm your account
Complete the Application
You should receive your card in the mail within 2 weeks*
By Phone
Public Health’s Community Health Access Program: 800-756-5437
In-person at an enrollment location
Bring the required documentation to an enrollment location and receive your ORCA LIFT card same day. You can find a list of all enrollment locations here, but here is a list of a few of the most common locations:
ORCA LIFT Office, Seattle
Located next to Metro’s Customer Service office on Jackson
201 S. Jackson, Seattle, WA 98104
Open Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
ORCA LIFT Office, Federal Way
1640 S 318th Pl #B, Federal Way WA 98003
Monday-Thursday, 8:30 am to 5 pm (closed from 1-2 pm for lunch)
Saturday, 10 am to 2 pm
Catholic Community Services and Catholic Housing Services of Western Washington
100 23rd Avenue S
Seattle, WA 98144
Open Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM-5:00 PM
*Cards mailed can take 7-10 business days.
Add value to your ORCA LIFT card
Before you try to pay for transit with an ORCA LIFT card, be sure to load it with money (E-purse) or a monthly pass.
- Go to myORCA.com to add value or learn how
- Visit an ORCA Customer Service Office
- Find a store or ORCA vending machine
Renewal every 2 years is necessary to continue using the card. Keep an eye on the renewal date on the back of your card to continue saving money by paying an ORCA LIFT fare until renewal is required.
Where can I use ORCA LIFT?
Community Transit
ORCA LIFT Rates
| Transit Service (Single Ride) | Transit Service (PugetPass) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All buses and Zip service | Transit Service (Single Ride) | $1 | All buses and Zip service | Transit Service (PugetPass) | $36 |
| DART Paratransit | Transit Service (Single Ride) | $2 | DART Paratransit | Transit Service (PugetPass) | $90 |
Everett Transit
ORCA LIFT Rates
| Bus service (Single Ride) | Bus service (PugetPass) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed-route | Bus service (Single Ride) | $1 | Fixed-route | Bus service (PugetPass) | $36 |
King County Metro
ORCA LIFT Rates
| Transit Service (Single Ride) | Transit Service (PugetPass) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus Routes and RapidRide | Transit Service (Single Ride) | $1 | Bus Routes and RapidRide | Transit Service (PugetPass) | $36 |
| Dart Service | Transit Service (Single Ride) | $1 | Dart Service | Transit Service (PugetPass) | $36 |
| Metro Flex | Transit Service (Single Ride) | $1 | Metro Flex | Transit Service (PugetPass) | $36 |
| Community Shuttle | Transit Service (Single Ride) | $1 | Community Shuttle | Transit Service (PugetPass) | $36 |
| Trailhead Direct | Transit Service (Single Ride) | $1 | Trailhead Direct | Transit Service (PugetPass) | $36 |
Kitsap Transit
ORCA LIFT Rates
| Transit Service (Single Ride) | Transit Service (PugetPass) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fast Ferry (Eastbound) | Transit Service (Single Ride) | $1 | Fast Ferry (Eastbound) | Transit Service (PugetPass) | $36 |
| Fast Ferry (Westbound) | Transit Service (Single Ride) | $5 | Transit Service (PugetPass) | ||
| Bus and Local Foot Ferry Service | Transit Service (Single Ride) | $1 | Transit Service (PugetPass) | ||
Pierce Transit
ORCA LIFT Rates
| Local Fixed-route (Single Ride) | $1 | Local Fixed-route (PugetPass) | $36 | ||
Seattle Center Monorail
ORCA LIFT Rates
| Monorail (Single Ride) | $2 | Monorail (PugetPass) | $72 | ||
Seattle Streetcar
ORCA LIFT Rates
| Streetcar (Single Ride) | $1 | Streetcar (PugetPass) | $36 | ||
Sound Transit
ORCA LIFT Rates
| Transit Service (Single Ride) | Transit Service (PugetPass) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ST Express Buses | Transit Service (Single Ride) | $1 | ST Express Buses | Transit Service (PugetPass) | $36 |
| Sounder Trains | Transit Service (Single Ride) | $1 | Sounder Trains | Transit Service (PugetPass) | $36 |
| Link Light Rail | Transit Service (Single Ride) | $1 | Link Light Rail | Transit Service (PugetPass) | $36 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of the most frequently asked questions about the ORCA LIFT program.
Please contact us if your question isn’t answered on our website.
Which transit agencies and services accept ORCA LIFT?
- King County Metro buses
- King County Water Taxi
- Community Transit buses
- Everett Transit buses
- Kitsap Transit buses
- Pierce Transit
- Seattle Center Monorail
- Seattle Streetcar
- Sound Transit Link light rail
- Sound Transit Regional Express buses
- Sounder Trains
Other agencies may accept the ORCA LIFT card, but you will need to pay a regular (not discounted) adult fare for transit aboard those vehicles. You can pay that fare with your card’s E-purse value or a PugetPass that you have loaded.
You will be credited the trip value of your PugetPass and will have to make up the difference with E-purse funds.
How much does it cost to get an ORCA LIFT card?
There is no initial card fee for qualified riders. If your ORCA LIFT card is lost, stolen or damaged, replacement cards cost $3. You are responsible for the cost to load E-purse or monthly passes to the card.
Will my ORCA LIFT card expire?
The ORCA LIFT card is good for two years from the time you receive it. Your card’s expiration date is printed on the back. If your card expires, you can apply to renew it for another two years by following the application process. Visit the Reduced Fare Portal for details.
What happens if someone qualifies for the ORCA LIFT program and later starts earning more than 200 percent of the federal poverty level?
You may use your ORCA LIFT card until it expires. When your card expires, simply reapply for the program or use your card to pay a regular Adult fare.
How do I get an ORCA LIFT card for my child?
Youth 18 and under can ride most transit in our region at no cost. Visit myORCA.com for more information.
I lost my ORCA LIFT card. What can I do?
If you lose your ORCA LIFT card, report it right away. Your old card will then be locked and no longer valid for fare payment. Any valid E-purse or passes previously loaded onto your old card can be transferred to your new one. And be sure to register your card to an ORCA customer account online either at myORCA.com or on the myORCA mobile app on your phone.
Replace your card:
- By calling ORCA Customer Service at 888-988-6722
- Login to your account at myORCA.com
- At the Metro Pass Sales Office
What if I run out of E-purse money for the ORCA LIFT card?
If you don’t have enough money to cover your next trip, the ORCA LIFT card will allow you to travel with a negative balance of up to -$2.75.
Just tap your card when boarding and you can pay the fare back before your next trip, when you reload your E-purse or PugetPass.
You can reload your card online at myORCA.com, with the myORCA app or at one of the many locations where ORCA cards are sold. To find a location near you, visit our retail map on myORCA.com
Which transit agencies and services accept ORCA LIFT?
- King County Metro buses
- King County Water Taxi
- Community Transit buses
- Everett Transit buses
- Kitsap Transit buses
- Pierce Transit
- Seattle Center Monorail
- Seattle Streetcar
- Sound Transit Link light rail
- Sound Transit Regional Express buses
- Sounder Trains
Other agencies may accept the ORCA LIFT card, but you will need to pay a regular (not discounted) adult fare for transit aboard those vehicles. You can pay that fare with your card’s E-purse value or a PugetPass that you have loaded.
You will be credited the trip value of your PugetPass and will have to make up the difference with E-purse funds.
How much does it cost to get an ORCA LIFT card?
There is no initial card fee for qualified riders. If your ORCA LIFT card is lost, stolen or damaged, replacement cards cost $3. You are responsible for the cost to load E-purse or monthly passes to the card.
Will my ORCA LIFT card expire?
The ORCA LIFT card is good for two years from the time you receive it. Your card’s expiration date is printed on the back. If your card expires, you can apply to renew it for another two years by following the application process. Visit the Reduced Fare Portal for details.
What happens if someone qualifies for the ORCA LIFT program and later starts earning more than 200 percent of the federal poverty level?
You may use your ORCA LIFT card until it expires. When your card expires, simply reapply for the program or use your card to pay a regular Adult fare.
How do I get an ORCA LIFT card for my child?
Youth 18 and under can ride most transit in our region at no cost. Visit myORCA.com for more information.
I lost my ORCA LIFT card. What can I do?
If you lose your ORCA LIFT card, report it right away. Your old card will then be locked and no longer valid for fare payment. Any valid E-purse or passes previously loaded onto your old card can be transferred to your new one. And be sure to register your card to an ORCA customer account online either at myORCA.com or on the myORCA mobile app on your phone.
Replace your card:
- By calling ORCA Customer Service at 888-988-6722
- Login to your account at myORCA.com
- At the Metro Pass Sales Office
What if I run out of E-purse money for the ORCA LIFT card?
If you don’t have enough money to cover your next trip, the ORCA LIFT card will allow you to travel with a negative balance of up to -$2.75.
Just tap your card when boarding and you can pay the fare back before your next trip, when you reload your E-purse or PugetPass.
You can reload your card online at myORCA.com, with the myORCA app or at one of the many locations where ORCA cards are sold. To find a location near you, visit our retail map on myORCA.com
Do you need assistance?
We are here to help.
Looking for other transit discounts?
ORCA offers several discounted fare programs to help people ride transit for less, including
programs for Seniors aged 65 and older and Disabled riders.
ORCA provides a no cost pass with the subsidized annual pass. Customers can ride King County Metro,
Seattle Streetcar, Monorail Sound Transit, Community Transit and Everett Transit at no cost.
Youth 18 and under always ride free! Learn more here.
Online 
App 
In Person 
Phone 
Mail Card type
Who is it for?
Card price
Availability
Adult – fares and passes at full price with transfer credits built in automatically.
Customers 19 or older.
$3 new card / $3 replacement
Online, App, In Person, Phone, Mail
Youth – Free.
Customers 6-18 years old.
$0 new card / $0 replacement
Senior (RRFP) – fares and passes at even lower cost.
Customers 65 years and older.
$0 new card / $3 replacement
Disability (RRFP) – fares and passes at even lower cost.
Customers with an eligible disability
$0 new card / $3 replacement
ORCA LIFT – fares and passes at lower cost.
Customers with lower incomes
$0 new card / $3 replacement
Annual subsidized pass – fares and passes at no cost.**
Customers with household incomes at or below 80% of the Federal poverty level
$0 new card / $0 replacement
* Online at the Reduced Fare Portal
** For King County & Sound Transit only
Adults
ages 19-64
Check if your school or employer can help with costs
Adult ORCA
FULL COSTYouth
ages 0-18
Youth ages 6-18 use an ORCA card, school ID, or simply board. Children 5 and under ride free with a paying adult.
Youth ORCA
FREESeniors
ages 65+
Regional Reduced Fare Permit
Even lower costDisabilities or Medicare
Regional Reduced Fare Permit
Even lower costCertain State Benefit Programs
ABD, HEN, PWA, RCA, SSI, TANF, and SFA