ORCA to Soft Launch Tap to Pay Feature

ORCA is excited to announce that Tap to Pay is coming to the ORCA system very soon. This means that transit riders will soon be able to tap credit and debit cards to pay their transit fares. This will revolutionize how people access transit around Puget Sound.

We have one last period of testing before Tap to Pay rolls out systemwide. This final test phase is called “soft launch”. What does that mean, and what will this look like for you and other transit riders? Let’s get to the details.

What Will Soft Launch Look Like?

• Start Date: February 2, 2026
• Where: King County Metro RapidRide G Line  (info for G Line here)
• What & How: Riders will be able to pay for their bus fare (note: Adult fares only!) by tapping their credit or debit cards, or digital devices like phones and watches. The system will accept taps from just about any credit or debit card or smart device, including (YES!) iPhones. Riders can pay using the following:
  • Physical Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover Network cards with a contactless symbol.
  • Digital credit or debit cards using Apple Pay™ , Google Pay™ , or Samsung Pay™. Make sure you have a card loaded in your digital wallet before tapping.

• No Transfers Between Services: During soft launch, riders that pay using credit or debit cards will not receive free, two-hour transfer benefits between the G Line and other modes of transit. The automatic transfer credit will only work on the G Line. Riders can ask the operator for a paper transfer after tapping a credit or debit card, and this will allow you to transfer between King County Metro services. Regular ORCA transfer credits will apply to Tap to Pay when it rolls out systemwide.
• Adult Fares Only: As mentioned above, riders who use Tap to Pay will be charged Adult fare. Reduced or free fares are only available when using those specific ORCA cards (ex: Youth ORCA cards, Senior RRFP ORCA cards, Disabled RRFP ORCA cards, ORCA LIFT, etc.). If you received your ORCA card from your employer, school, or other organization and do not want to pay Adult fares, you should continue using your ORCA card.
• Remove Card from Wallet: To pay with a credit or debit card, riders should take the card out of their wallet to tap. Do not tap your entire wallet, purse or bag on the card reader. If you have an ORCA card and credit cards in your Google Wallet, select the card you wish to use before tapping.
• Fare Inspection: If your fare is inspected, you are required to share the last four digits of the payment card you tapped to ride. For more information, click here.
• One Rider, One Card: Every rider needs their own method of payment to ride. Riders cannot pay for multiple riders or groups using one card or device.

For more detailed information about Tap to Pay soft launch, click here.

Final Reminders

Remember, soft launch is only taking place on King County Metro’s RapidRide G Line. Tap to Pay will expand to other services at a later time. Eventually, you will be able to pay using credit and debit cards on most ORCA services.

Using an ORCA card in Apple Wallet is a separate feature from this launch and we remain committed to bringing the convenience of mobile payments to all our customers.

And one final reminder, the addition of Tap to Pay does not mean the ORCA cards you know and love are going anywhere. This is simply the addition of a new option to the existing ORCA system. If you want to continue experiencing all the benefits available through your ORCA card, you are encouraged to continue using it. ORCA cards continue to provide the most cost effective, convenient benefits for many riders across the region.

Do you have questions about soft launch or Tap to Pay in general? Please reach out by emailing info@myorca.com or reach out via social media (@TheORCACard on X/Twitter and Facebook, and @TheRealORCACard on Instagram and Threads).