Understanding Seattle's Bus Transfer System: Duration And Details

If you're transferring between different bus services in Seattle, you'll need an ORCA card. This is the only way to pay for transfers between different services such as trains, buses and streetcars. As long as you transfer within 2 hours, your original fare will be credited toward the next leg of your journey. For example, if you use your ORCA card to pay the $3.25 ST Express bus fare and then transfer to Link Light Rail, the $3.25 fare you've already paid will also count toward your ride on Link. So instead of paying two separate fares, most passengers enjoy completely free transfers with their ORCA card.

The ORCA card is the only way to pay for transfers between services

When it comes to navigating Seattle's public transportation system, the ORCA card is a must-have. Not only is it a convenient and seamless way to pay your fares, but it is also the only way to pay for transfers between different services. Here's everything you need to know about using the ORCA card for transfers:

The Benefits of ORCA Card for Transfers

The ORCA card offers a hassle-free way to transfer between buses, trains, light rail, and other services. With this card, you can say goodbye to fumbling for cash or tickets and worrying about exact change. Simply tap your card when boarding, and ORCA will automatically calculate the transfer cost for you.

One of the biggest advantages of using the ORCA card for transfers is the two-hour transfer window. As long as you transfer within two hours, your original fare will be credited towards the next leg of your journey. This means that if your second ride is on a more expensive route, you'll only be charged the difference in fare. In many cases, your transfer will be completely free!

Where to Get an ORCA Card

ORCA cards are easily accessible to everyone. You can order adult cards online through the ORCA website or by downloading a form for adult and youth cards via mail. You can also visit customer service centers, such as the King Street Center in Seattle's Pioneer Square, or one of the dozens of retail locations at supermarkets and stores. Additionally, you can find ORCA vending machines at train stations, major transit centers, and the Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel.

Using the ORCA Card

Using the ORCA card to pay for your bus fare is simple. When boarding the bus, just tap your card once—there's no need to tap off when you exit. If you're transferring to another bus within two hours, tap your card again when you board the next bus. Remember to tap on and tap off when using Link Light Rail and Sounder Trains, as fares for these services are calculated based on the distance travelled.

Other Features of the ORCA Card

The ORCA card offers a range of features beyond just transfers. You can load your card with money and pay as you go, or buy a monthly pass if you're a frequent rider. The card is also accepted across multiple transit agencies in the Puget Sound region, including buses, trains, and ferries. This makes it an ideal option for those who need to use multiple modes of transportation during their commute.

In conclusion, the ORCA card is the key to a seamless and cost-effective travel experience when using public transportation in Seattle. By offering a convenient way to pay for transfers between different services, the ORCA card ensures that you can focus on getting to your destination without the worry of managing multiple fares. So, whether you're a daily commuter or an occasional rider, be sure to get your hands on an ORCA card and enjoy the benefits of easy and efficient transfers.

Transfers are free as long as the second leg isn't more expensive than the first

When using Seattle's public transport system, it is important to have an ORCA card, as this is the only way to pay for transfers between different services. The ORCA card can be tapped to pay for bus journeys, with no need to tap off at the end of the ride. This card can also be used to pay for train journeys, but it is important to remember to tap off at the end of the trip, or you will be charged the highest fare from your origin.

Transfers are free as long as the second leg is not more expensive than the first. If you transfer within 2 hours and the second leg is more expensive, you will only be charged the difference. This means that most passengers can enjoy completely free transfers with their ORCA card. For example, if you pay $3.25 for an ST Express bus fare and then transfer to Link, the $3.25 you have already paid will also count towards your ride on Link.

ORCA cards can be purchased from Link station ticket machines, retail locations throughout the region, and online. They are also available at King Street Center in Seattle's Pioneer Square neighbourhood and the Westlake Customer Stop in the Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel, although the Westlake location is only open on the first and last four business days of the month and only sells adult and senior cards.

Transfers are valid on any Metro bus or the Waterfront Streetcar for about one hour after they are issued. Transfers received on off-peak trips may be used on peak-hour trips by paying the balance of the peak fare. Metro transfers are valid for the base fare on Sound Transit and other local transit systems.

Transfers are valid for 2 hours

When using public transport in Seattle, it is important to understand how transfers work to ensure a smooth and cost-effective journey. In Seattle, transfers are valid for 2 hours, allowing passengers to switch between different services, such as trains, buses, and streetcars, without paying additional fares. This guide will provide detailed information about transfer validity, costs, and recommendations to navigate the system seamlessly.

Understanding the 2-Hour Transfer Window

Transfers in Seattle are designed to offer passengers a convenient way to switch between different modes of transportation within a specified time frame. The 2-hour transfer window starts from the time you first tap your ORCA card on a bus, train, or light rail. During this 2-hour period, you can transfer to another bus or service without paying an additional fare. This is particularly useful if you need to make multiple connections during your journey.

Cost Calculation for Transfers

The ORCA card is the only way to pay for transfers between different services in Seattle. When you tap your ORCA card at the beginning of your journey, the system calculates the cost of your trip and deducts that amount from your account. If you transfer to another bus or service within 2 hours, the original fare will be credited toward the next leg of your journey. For example, if you pay a $3.25 ST Express bus fare and then transfer to Link light rail within 2 hours, the $3.25 fare will also count toward your ride on Link. In most cases, transfers with the ORCA card are completely free.

Tips for Seamless Transfers

• Tap your ORCA card when boarding a bus or train. On buses, tap the reader by the driver. On Link light rail, tap your card on the yellow card reader before boarding.
• If you are using a RapidRide or Swift bus, remember to tap your ORCA card at the stations on the ORCA card reader and board through any door.
• When riding Link light rail or Sounder trains, remember to tap off when you reach your destination. Fares on these services are calculated based on the distance travelled. If you don't tap off, you may be charged the highest fare from your origin.
• If you are transferring between a bus and a train, always use your ORCA card to ensure that your credit from the first ride is applied to the next.
• Keep in mind that transfers are not valid for round trips. They are intended for passengers who need to make connections during their journey.
• Plan your trip in advance using Metro's Trip Planner to find the best bus routes and connections for your journey.
• Always check the balance on your ORCA card before starting your journey to ensure you have sufficient funds.

By following these guidelines and understanding the 2-hour transfer window, you can navigate Seattle's public transport system with ease and make the most of your ORCA card.

You must tap your ORCA card when boarding a bus or train

When using public transport in Seattle, you must tap your ORCA card when boarding a bus or train. This contactless card is the only way to pay for transfers between different services, such as trains, buses, and streetcars. Tapping your card when boarding is essential for several reasons.

Firstly, tapping your ORCA card ensures that your fare is correctly calculated. On Link light rail and Sounder trains, the fare is determined by the distance travelled. By tapping on and tapping off, you will be charged for the correct distance, rather than the highest possible fare from your origin. This can result in significant savings on your journey.

Secondly, tapping your ORCA card allows you to take advantage of free transfers within a two-hour window. As long as you transfer to another bus or train within two hours, your original fare will be credited towards the next leg of your journey. This means that most passengers enjoy completely free transfers with their ORCA card. Even if your second trip costs more than the first, you will only be charged the difference, still resulting in savings.

Thirdly, tapping your ORCA card when boarding is a seamless and convenient way to pay your fare. There is no need to worry about having exact change or purchasing separate tickets for each leg of your journey. The ORCA card simplifies the payment process and makes transferring between different modes of transportation much easier.

It is important to note that the process for tapping your ORCA card may vary slightly depending on the type of transportation. On Link light rail, tap your card on the yellow card reader before boarding. On buses, tap the reader by the driver when you board, and there is no need to tap off. For Rapid Ride or Swift buses, you can tap your card at stations and board through any door, or enter through the front door and tap your card.

In conclusion, tapping your ORCA card when boarding a bus or train in Seattle is a crucial step for several reasons. It ensures that your fare is correctly calculated, allows you to take advantage of free transfers within a two-hour window, and provides a seamless and convenient payment experience. Remember to tap your card each time you board to make the most of your ORCA card benefits and have a smooth journey.

You don't need to tap off when riding the bus

When riding the bus in Seattle, you don't need to tap off when you reach your destination. The ORCA card is the only way to pay for transfers between different services such as trains, buses, and streetcars. As long as you transfer within 2 hours, your original fare will be credited toward the next leg of your journey. This means that if you transfer to a bus that costs more than the first, you will only be charged the difference.

ORCA calculates the cost of your trip and deducts that amount from your account. On Link light rail, tap your ORCA card on the yellow card reader before you board. On buses, tap the reader by the driver when you board. There is no need to tap off a ride on the bus or Link.

ORCA cards are available for adults, youth, seniors, and people with disabilities (Regional Reduced Fare Permit), and people with little or no income (ORCA LIFT). You can get your ORCA card online, at customer service centers, retail locations at supermarkets and stores, vending machines at train stations, and through an ORCA To-Go sales van in your community.

Frequently asked questions