Paying For Seattle Buses: A Guide To Fares And Passes

There are several ways to pay for a bus in Seattle. The most common method is by using an ORCA card, which you can purchase at a ticket machine or participating grocery stores. Ticket machines accept cash and credit/debit cards such as Visa or MasterCard. Alternatively, you can use the Transit GO Ticket app on your phone to buy tickets in advance and activate them when you board the bus. You can also pay with exact cash fares on some buses.

Paying with an ORCA card

The ORCA card is the easiest way to pay for your bus fare in Seattle. It works on all seven of the major public transportation agencies serving the region, including King County Metro Transit and Washington State Ferries. You can use the ORCA card to pay fares and transfer seamlessly between buses, trains, and ferries.

You can purchase an ORCA card at a ticket machine, online, by phone, or at a Ride Store or Customer Service Office. Ticket machines accept cash and credit/debit cards such as Visa or Mastercard. You can also buy an ORCA card through the myORCA app, available on the Apple iOS Store or Google Play Store, or online at myORCA.com using a debit or credit card. You can also call (888) 988-6722, (888) 889-6368, or TTY Relay: 711 to purchase using a valid credit card.

Once you have your ORCA card, you can load money or a monthly pass onto it. You can do this through the myORCA app, online at myORCA.com, by phone, or at a ticket kiosk, Ride Store, or Customer Service Office. You can add $5 to $400 onto an ORCA card's E-purse (electronic purse), which works just like a prepaid debit card. The ORCA card will automatically track your rides and deduct the correct fare each time you tap. When your E-purse balance gets low, simply add value online, at a kiosk, or in person at an ORCA customer service office.

When using your ORCA card to pay for your bus fare in Seattle, tap your card on the card reader when you board the bus. Your ORCA card will beep once to indicate that it has been accepted.

The ORCA card is a great option for paying your bus fare in Seattle, as it offers seamless transfers between different modes of transportation and automatically tracks your rides and fares.

Paying with cash

You can pay with cash when boarding a bus in Seattle. However, you will need to have the exact fare ready as bus drivers do not carry change. You can put your cash into the farebox located next to the driver when you board. The farebox will have a sign that tells you the fare.

If you are transferring to another bus, ask the driver for a paper transfer at the time you pay. Metro paper transfers are valid only on Metro buses. If you are paying cash and use more than one transit system, you must pay a fare each time you board a different bus.

On Metro RapidRide buses, or when travelling on Third Avenue in downtown Seattle, the driver will always give you a paper transfer when paying with cash. This transfer also acts as your receipt for proof of payment. Keep it with you at all times when riding, as a fare enforcement officer may ask to see it.

You can also pay with cash using the Transit GO Ticket app. First, go to the Store in the app and select the King County Metro or Kitsap Transit fare you want to buy. Under payment, select 'Change' and pay with cash at the store. Enter your zip code to search for the nearest retail location. If your phone has location services enabled, the app will select the nearest stores to you. Present the barcode for the checker to scan and pay with cash. Your ticket is now ready to use.

Paying with the Transit GO Ticket app

The Transit GO Ticket app is a great way to pay for your bus fare in Seattle. It is available for download on both Android and iPhone devices. The app allows you to buy bus, rail, and water taxi tickets using your mobile device, eliminating the need to carry cash for transit fare.

• Download the App: Visit your device's app store and search for the Transit GO Ticket app. Download and install the app on your device.
• Set Up Your Payment Method: Open the app and go to the Settings section. Select "Payment Methods" and then choose "Add New Payment Method." You can then scan your credit or debit card and fill in the required card details. The app also offers a cash payment option, which will be discussed later in this guide.
• Purchase Tickets: Once your payment method is set up, you can purchase tickets directly through the app. Select the type of ticket you need, such as a single ride, day pass, or round-trip ticket. Choose the appropriate fare based on your age or any applicable discounts. Confirm your purchase, and your ticket will be available in the app.
• Activate Your Ticket: When you're ready to board the bus, activate the ticket in the app. This step is crucial, as it ensures your ticket is valid for travel.
• Show Your Ticket: As you board the bus, show the activated ticket on your mobile device screen to the driver. For some buses, like the RapidRide, you may need to show your ticket to a fare enforcement officer upon request.

The Transit GO Ticket app is accepted on various transit services in the Seattle area, including King County Metro Buses, Sound Transit Express Bus, Link Light Rail, King County Water Taxi, Seattle Streetcar, and Kitsap Transit routed buses and fast ferries.

Now, let's go over the process of paying with cash using the Transit GO Ticket app:

• Go to the Store: Open the Transit GO Ticket app and navigate to the in-app store.
• Select Your Fare: Choose the King County Metro or Kitsap Transit fare you wish to purchase. Please note that Sound Transit tickets are not available for cash payment through the app.
• Select Cash Payment: Under the payment options, select "Change" and then choose "Pay with cash at the store."
• Find a Retail Location: Enter your zip code or enable location services to find the nearest retail location where you can pay with cash.
• Present the Barcode: At the store, present the barcode from the app to the checker, who will scan it and allow you to complete your cash payment.
• Activate and Use Your Ticket: Once you've paid, your ticket is ready to use. Remember to activate the ticket before boarding, and show it to the driver or fare enforcement officer when requested.

The Transit GO Ticket app offers a convenient, contactless way to pay for your bus fare in Seattle, providing flexibility with payment methods and making your commuting experience smoother.

Reduced fares

Seniors and Disabled People

Seniors aged 65 or older and people with disabilities can ride at a reduced rate with a Regional Reduced Fare Permit (RRFP). This is given to you on an ORCA card. To apply for an RRFP, bring either proof of age (65+) or proof of a qualifying condition or a Medicare card. The permit is free, but a replacement will cost $3.

Low-Income Adults

Low-income adults can benefit from the ORCA LIFT reduced fare program. With the ORCA LIFT card, income-qualified riders can save up to 60%. Eligibility is based on your household income. For ORCA LIFT, day passes are only $4.00 per day.

Youth

Youth aged 18 and under can ride for free on all Sound Transit services.

Buying tickets at a station

If you're looking to purchase a bus ticket at a station in Seattle, there are a few options available to you. The first is to purchase an ORCA card, which is widely accepted across Seattle's transport network. ORCA cards can be purchased at ticket machines, which are available at stations, and accept cash and credit/debit cards such as Visa or Mastercard. ORCA cards can also be purchased with a reduced fare for seniors, those with disabilities, and low-income adults.

The second option is to buy a paper ticket at a pay station, which are located at each Seattle Streetcar station. These pay stations accept credit cards or coins, and you can purchase up to five single-ride or day-pass tickets in one transaction.

Finally, you can also pay for your bus ride with exact cash fares on ST Express buses.

Frequently asked questions