Youth Ride Transit for Free!
Transit is free for riders 18 and younger thanks to Move Ahead Washington, a statewide transportation funding package.
How it Works
All Youth 18 and Younger Are Able to Ride Transit for Free
Riders aged 13 and older are encouraged to bring one of the following when they ride, if they have it:
Youth ORCA Card
- Cards issued by schools and organizations may expire.
- Register your card to ensure it works until your 19th birthday.
- Please “tap” your card when you board. On Sound Transit Link light rail and Sounder train, please also “tap” when you exit.
Current High School or Middle School Student ID
- Show your student ID to the driver as you board or any transit official upon request.
- Note: Student IDs alone are not valid for free fare on the Seattle Center Monorail. See the FAQs for details.
Youth who do not have a Youth ORCA Card or Student ID can still ride for free on most services; just get on board!
Tapping your Youth ORCA card allows transit agencies to better understand how many young people are riding transit, including where and when. Transit agencies use this information to make future improvements.
Get a New Youth ORCA Card
You can order a new Youth ORCA card at myORCA.com/buy-online.
You will need to upload a copy of your K-12 student ID, state ID or driver’s license, birth certificate, or passport to confirm your age. You do not need to add money or a pass to the card.
A new card will be mailed to you. While you are waiting for your new card in the mail, you can still ride for free.
After you receive your card, you can create a myORCA account* and link your card to it!
This makes it easy to replace your card if it ever gets lost. To create a new account, download the myORCA app or visit myORCA.com to sign up and link your card. Watch this video to see how.
*(if you are at least 13 years old)
Replace a Lost Youth ORCA Card
If you have a myORCA.com account:
- Log into your myORCA.com account.
- In the “My Cards” menu, click “Replace Card”, then select the card you wish to replace.
If you do not have a myORCA.com account:
- Order a new Youth ORCA card at myORCA.com/buy-online.
Register Your Card
Youth Cards
(If you ordered a Youth ORCA card online, you do not need to complete this step.) Add your birthdate to ensure you ride free until you turn 19!
Without this step, the youth status will expire and you will begin being charged a full adult fare. (* is required)
"*" indicates required fields
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a Youth ORCA card?
You can order a new Youth ORCA card at myORCA.com/buy-online. You will need to upload a copy of your K-12 student ID, state ID or driver’s license, birth certificate, or passport to confirm your age. You do not need to add money or a pass to the card. A new card will be mailed to you. While you are waiting for your new card in the mail, you can still ride for free.
Youth ORCA cards are also available at transit agency customer service locations. Bring in the same documentation and you will receive a card usable immediately.
Do I need a Youth ORCA card to ride transit for free?
Youth 18 and younger can ride transit for free by tapping a Youth ORCA card, showing a student ID, or by simply boarding. Tapping a Youth ORCA card is encouraged on every service, but only required for free transit when riding the Seattle Center Monorail.
Why is it important to use and tap my Youth ORCA card?
Tapping your Youth ORCA card allows transit agencies to better understand how many youth are riding transit, including where and when. Transit agencies use this information to make future improvements.
When will I be able to tap with my phone instead of an ORCA card?
The virtual ORCA card and other options are in development. Sign up to receive ORCA news and updates at the bottom of this page to hear about new options first! For now, youth can tap a Youth ORCA card, show their student ID or simply board.
I’m someone who works with youth. How can I help them get Youth ORCA cards?
Youth are encouraged to order a new card online (adults can also assist youth in completing the order form). Youth ORCA cards are also available at transit agency customer service locations.
Can personal care attendants (PCAs) ride for free?
Youth with disabilities who qualify for a Regional Reduced Fare Permit can complete the application for a PCA. If approved, a PCA can ride for free with the youth. Youth will then receive a sticker to place on their Youth ORCA card. Please call 1-888-988-6722 to learn more about applying or obtaining a sticker.
What’s the difference between blue and black Youth ORCA cards?
Blue and black Youth ORCA cards both work the same way; they just have different designs. Classic blue cards will continue to work. You do not need to get a new card unless you lose your old card.
I tapped my card and the reader noted I have “insufficient funds,” or noted I have balance/money on my card. What should I do?
Contact us and we’ll look into the issue. In the meantime, you can still ride for free on most services by showing a K-12 Student ID or by simply boarding, telling the operator your age if asked. However, at Seattle Center Monorail, you must have a valid Youth ORCA card to ride free.
How do youth ride for free on the Seattle Center Monorail?
Free fare on the Seattle Center Monorail will only be available for youth with a valid Youth ORCA card. Riders without a valid Youth ORCA card will need to purchase a ticket from the ticket vending machine to ride the Monorail ($1.75 one way), with an exception for high school students who are using the city-provided QR code provided to them at the beginning of the school year. Those barcodes will continue to be honored until September 15, 2023.
How do I get a Youth ORCA card?
You can order a new Youth ORCA card at myORCA.com/buy-online. You will need to upload a copy of your K-12 student ID, state ID or driver’s license, birth certificate, or passport to confirm your age. You do not need to add money or a pass to the card. A new card will be mailed to you. While you are waiting for your new card in the mail, you can still ride for free.
Youth ORCA cards are also available at transit agency customer service locations. Bring in the same documentation and you will receive a card usable immediately.
Do I need a Youth ORCA card to ride transit for free?
Youth 18 and younger can ride transit for free by tapping a Youth ORCA card, showing a student ID, or by simply boarding. Tapping a Youth ORCA card is encouraged on every service, but only required for free transit when riding the Seattle Center Monorail.
Why is it important to use and tap my Youth ORCA card?
Tapping your Youth ORCA card allows transit agencies to better understand how many youth are riding transit, including where and when. Transit agencies use this information to make future improvements.
When will I be able to tap with my phone instead of an ORCA card?
The virtual ORCA card and other options are in development. Sign up to receive ORCA news and updates at the bottom of this page to hear about new options first! For now, youth can tap a Youth ORCA card, show their student ID or simply board.
I’m someone who works with youth. How can I help them get Youth ORCA cards?
Youth are encouraged to order a new card online (adults can also assist youth in completing the order form). Youth ORCA cards are also available at transit agency customer service locations.
Can personal care attendants (PCAs) ride for free?
Youth with disabilities who qualify for a Regional Reduced Fare Permit can complete the application for a PCA. If approved, a PCA can ride for free with the youth. Youth will then receive a sticker to place on their Youth ORCA card. Please call 1-888-988-6722 to learn more about applying or obtaining a sticker.
What’s the difference between blue and black Youth ORCA cards?
Blue and black Youth ORCA cards both work the same way; they just have different designs. Classic blue cards will continue to work. You do not need to get a new card unless you lose your old card.
I tapped my card and the reader noted I have “insufficient funds,” or noted I have balance/money on my card. What should I do?
Contact us and we’ll look into the issue. In the meantime, you can still ride for free on most services by showing a K-12 Student ID or by simply boarding, telling the operator your age if asked. However, at Seattle Center Monorail, you must have a valid Youth ORCA card to ride free.
How do youth ride for free on the Seattle Center Monorail?
Free fare on the Seattle Center Monorail will only be available for youth with a valid Youth ORCA card. Riders without a valid Youth ORCA card will need to purchase a ticket from the ticket vending machine to ride the Monorail ($1.75 one way), with an exception for high school students who are using the city-provided QR code provided to them at the beginning of the school year. Those barcodes will continue to be honored until September 15, 2023.
Welcome Aboard!
Thank You
ORCA transit agencies offer a safe, reliable connections to school, a job, family, friends and much more. We’re grateful for the collaborative efforts of community groups, school districts and other partners.
Spread the word! We’re excited to welcome more youth to transit.