Seattle Buses: Do Children Ride For Free?

do children pay on seattle buses

Seattle's public transportation system offers a range of options for commuters, including buses, trains, and streetcars. When it comes to bus fares, children and youth under the age of 18 can ride for free on Seattle's Metro bus system and Sound Transit services. This initiative, known as Youth Ride Free, is facilitated by the statewide transportation funding package, Move Ahead Washington. While children under 7 can ride for free with a paying passenger, those between the ages of 7 and 17 may require a reduced fare, which can be obtained through various methods such as paper tickets or reloadable cards. Additionally, youth ORCA Cards are available for seamless payment across multiple transit systems.

Characteristics Values
Age limit for free rides 18 and under
Required documentation Youth ORCA Card, Student ID, or none
Exceptions Required Youth ORCA Card for Seattle Center Monorail
Cost of Youth ORCA Card Free
Application method Online or at transit agency customer service locations
Required documents for application K-12 student ID, state ID, driver's license, birth certificate, or passport

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Youth ORCA cards

Eligibility

Obtaining a Youth ORCA Card

To obtain a Youth ORCA card, you can order one online at myORCA.com/buy-online. You will need to provide proof of age, such as a copy of your student ID, state ID, driver's license, birth certificate, or passport. There is no card fee for Youth ORCA cards. Once you submit your application, a new card will be mailed to you. In the meantime, youths can still ride for free while waiting for their card to arrive. Youth ORCA cards are also available at transit agency customer service locations, where you can bring the required documentation and receive a card immediately.

Using a Youth ORCA Card

To use a Youth ORCA card, simply tap the card on the card reader inside the bus when boarding, or on the dock or platform before boarding rail, streetcar, or water taxi. Tapping your Youth ORCA card is important as it allows transit agencies to understand how many young people are using the system and to make improvements to the service. While tapping is encouraged on every service, it is only required for free transit when riding the Seattle Center Monorail. Youths who do not have a Youth ORCA Card can still ride for free by showing a student ID or simply boarding.

Replacing a Lost Card

If you have lost your Youth ORCA Card, you can replace it by logging into your myORCA.com account and clicking "Replace Card" in the "My Cards" menu. If you do not have an account, you can order a replacement card at myORCA.com/buy-online.

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Youth fares

King County Metro Bus System:

The King County Metro Bus System is Seattle's primary public transportation system, providing an extensive network of buses that cover downtown and surrounding areas. Youth fares on this system are as follows:

  • Children up to 18 years old can ride the Metro bus system for free.
  • Youths who are 18 and under do not need to pay any fare and can simply board the bus.
  • Youth ORCA Card: Young riders are encouraged to use a Youth ORCA Card, which allows them to tap at ORCA readers on bus platforms. This card is not mandatory, but it helps transit agencies understand youth ridership patterns for service improvements.
  • Student ID: Youths without a Youth ORCA Card can use their current high school or middle school student ID to board for free.
  • Free Youth Transit Pass: Youths 18 and under can apply for a Free Youth Transit Pass to avail of free rides on all Sound Transit services.

Sound Transit:

Sound Transit is another crucial transportation system in Seattle, offering buses, the Link Light Rail, and the Sounder commuter train. Here are the youth fare options for this system:

  • Free Rides for Youth: Sound Transit does not require payment from youths 18 and under, making it convenient for young people to move around the city.
  • Youth ORCA Card: Youths can use their Youth ORCA Card to tap and ride for free on all Sound Transit services.
  • Student ID: For those without a Youth ORCA Card, a current high school or middle school student ID allows them to board for free.
  • ORCA LIFT Card: This card is available for low-income riders, offering reduced fares for those with a gross household income below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.

Seattle Streetcar:

The Seattle Streetcar is an integral part of the city's transportation network, connecting riders to broader regional transportation systems. Here are the youth fare options:

  • Youth ORCA Card: Young riders can tap their Youth ORCA Card at the ORCA readers on streetcar platforms for free rides.
  • Student ID: Youths without a Youth ORCA Card can use their current high school or middle school student ID to board the streetcar for free.
  • ORCA Regional Day Pass: This pass is available for purchase at ORCA vending machines and online. It allows for unlimited trips on the day of purchase on the Seattle Streetcar and other participating services.

TriMet:

For those travelling with children on TriMet, there are helpful options available:

  • Kids under 7 ride free: Children under the age of 7 can ride for free on TriMet when accompanied by a paying passenger.
  • Reduced Fares for Ages 7-17: Youths between the ages of 7 and 17 are offered reduced fares on TriMet services.
  • Paper Hop Ticket: A paper Hop ticket can be purchased from a Hop ticket machine, selecting the "Youth" option for the reduced fare.
  • Reloadable Plastic Hop Card: A plastic Hop card, available at grocery stores, offers a reloadable option for youths with the "Youth" card selection.
  • Virtual Hop Card: Virtual Hop cards can be added to mobile wallets, providing a convenient and eco-friendly option for youths to access reduced fares.

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Student IDs

In Seattle, children and youth under the age of 19 can ride public transit for free. This includes all King County Metro buses, trains, and light rail. While an ORCA card is not required for free fare, youth passengers are encouraged to use their Youth ORCA Card or carry their current middle or high school student ID when riding the bus.

The Youth ORCA Card is a convenient reloadable card that can be used for seamless payment on buses, trains, and light rail. Youth ORCA Cards can be ordered for free on the My ORCA website and will be automatically registered. To ensure free fare until the age of 19, cardholders should register their card on the My ORCA website using their email address, Youth ORCA card number, and birthdate. This quick process will only take about 2 minutes.

For students who do not have a Youth ORCA Card, carrying a middle or high school student ID will allow them to board for free. Additionally, students can show their student ID number when contacting the Seattle Public Schools Transportation Department for transportation-related inquiries.

It is important to note that the ORCA card is not the only payment option for bus fares in Seattle. Other options include paying with exact cash, purchasing bus tickets in advance, or using the Transit GO app for contactless payment.

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Payment methods

In Seattle, children under 18 can ride on buses for free. This applies to the King County Metro bus system, the primary public transportation system in Seattle, as well as Sound Transit services.

Exact Cash

You can pay the required fare using exact change when boarding the bus. The basic fare for a Metro bus ride is $2.75. However, drivers cannot provide change, so it is important to have the exact amount ready.

ORCA Card

The ORCA (One Regional Card for All) card is a convenient reloadable card that can be used for seamless payment across multiple transit systems in Seattle, including Metro buses, the Link Light Rail, and the Seattle Streetcar. It offers a contactless and quick way to pay for bus rides by simply tapping the card on the card reader when boarding. The ORCA card can be purchased at ticket machines or online, and it is also available at transit agency customer service locations.

Bus Tickets

If you prefer to plan ahead, you can purchase bus tickets at select locations and use them as payment when boarding the bus. This option allows you to pay in advance and avoid carrying exact change.

Transit GO App

For a contactless and digital option, you can download the Transit GO app on your smartphone. The app allows you to purchase and use digital tickets for bus rides. It provides a convenient way to manage your tickets and eliminates the need for physical cards or cash.

Hop Ticket or Card

If you are using TriMet, there are additional payment options for children. You can buy a paper Hop ticket from any MAX station or get a reloadable plastic Hop card at a grocery store. These options provide reduced fares for children ages 7-17. The tickets or cards can be tapped on the Hop reader when boarding.

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Discounted fares

Children and youth aged 18 and under can ride for free on Seattle buses and other forms of public transportation, including the King County Metro bus system, Sound Transit services, and the Seattle Streetcar. This is thanks to the Move Ahead Washington statewide transportation funding package. Youth riders are encouraged to carry a Youth ORCA Card and tap it at ORCA readers when boarding, or they can show their current high school or middle school student ID to the driver. Youth who do not have either of these can still board for free.

Additionally, reduced fares are available for senior citizens aged 65 and over and individuals with qualifying disabilities. To qualify for a reduced rate, individuals must obtain a Regional Reduced Fare Permit (RRFP) and present it on an ORCA card. The permit is free, but a replacement costs $3.

Low-income adults may also be eligible for reduced fares with the ORCA LIFT program. This program offers a reduced fare of $1 per trip, regardless of the distance travelled. Eligibility is based on household income, and qualified riders are issued an ORCA card to pay their fare.

Frequently asked questions

No, children up to 18 years old can ride for free on Seattle's King County Metro bus system.

Youth riders can use their Youth ORCA Card to tap at ORCA readers on bus platforms or carry their current high school or middle school student ID. Children without these cards can still board for free.

A Youth ORCA Card is a card that youth riders can tap on ORCA readers at bus platforms to board for free. Youth riders are encouraged to tap their cards to help transit agencies understand how many young people are using transit.

You can order a Youth ORCA Card online at myORCA.com/buy-online or get one at transit agency customer service locations. You will need to provide a copy of your child's K-12 student ID, state ID, driver's license, birth certificate, or passport to confirm their age.

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