Exploring Sound Transit Bus Payment Options

There are several ways to pay for a Sound Transit bus. The easiest way is with an ORCA card, which you can buy at a ticket machine, online, or at a retail location. You can also use the Transit GO Ticket app for touch-free payment, or pay with exact cash fares. Ticket machines accept cash and credit/debit cards such as Visa or Mastercard. Youth aged 18 and under can ride for free on all Sound Transit services.

Using an ORCA card

Paying for your ride on a Sound Transit bus is easy with an ORCA card. You can purchase an ORCA card at a ticket machine, or at retail locations throughout the region. Ticket machines accept cash and credit/debit cards such as Visa or MasterCard.

The ORCA card is the only way to pay for transfers between different services such as trains, buses, and streetcars. It is also the easiest way to pay your fare. Transfers are auto-calculated, so you don't need to worry about having exact change. It is also widely accepted, from light rail to ferries.

When using your ORCA card to ride the 1 Line, 2 Line, or Sounder trains, tap the yellow card reader before you board. You will hear a single beep to indicate that your card has been accepted. When you reach your destination, make sure you tap off and listen for the two beeps. On buses, tap the reader by the driver when you board. On the T Line, tap your ORCA card on the yellow card reader before you board. There is no need to tap off a ride on the bus or the T Line.

The ORCA LIFT reduced fare program offers all the benefits of an ORCA card for a fraction of the cost. With the ORCA LIFT card, income-qualified riders can save up to 60%. Eligibility is based on your household income. Reduced fares are also available for seniors and riders with disabilities. Youth aged 18 and under ride for free.

Buying tickets on your phone

Sound Transit offers several ways to pay your bus fare, including the option to buy tickets on your phone. Here is a step-by-step guide to buying tickets on your phone:

Download the Transit GO Ticket App

The Transit GO Ticket app is available for both Android and iPhone users. Simply visit your device's app store, search for the Transit GO Ticket app, and download it.

Set Up Your Account

Once you have downloaded the app, open it and create your account by following the prompts. You will need to provide some basic information, such as your name, email address, and payment details.

Choose Your Payment Method

The Transit GO Ticket app accepts various payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and cash. To set up your payment method, go to the Settings in the app, select "Payment Methods," and then choose "Add New Payment Method." You can scan your card or enter the details manually.

Buy Tickets in Advance

With your account and payment method set up, you can now purchase tickets directly through the app. Select the fare type you need, such as a single ride, day pass, or multi-ride pass. The app will display the price, and you can confirm your purchase.

Activating Your Ticket

Before boarding the bus, remember to activate your purchased ticket. This is a crucial step to ensure your fare is valid for your journey.

Showing Your Ticket

When boarding the bus, be prepared to show your activated ticket to the driver. On some Sound Transit services, such as the RapidRide buses, streetcar, or Link light rail, you may also need to show your screen to a fare enforcement officer, if asked.

Additional Tips

• The Transit GO Ticket app is ideal for infrequent transit users as it provides a simple, mobile alternative to carrying cash or cards.
• Remember that you will need an internet connection to purchase tickets but not to activate them if you have saved them on your phone.
• The app also supports cash payments at local retailers. You can add cash to your account at over 175+ 7-Eleven, Walgreens, and CVS stores in the Puget Sound area.
• If you have an ORCA card, you can also use the Transit GO Ticket app for touch-free payment.

By following these steps, you can conveniently buy and use bus tickets on your phone, making your travel experience with Sound Transit even more seamless.

Paying with cash

• ST Express buses accept exact cash fares. Make sure to have the exact change as bus drivers do not carry change.
• The accepted payment methods vary based on the service type and age group. For instance, youth aged 18 and under can ride for free on all Sound Transit services, while adults aged 19-64 need to pay varying fares depending on the trip type and distance travelled.
• When using cash, you will need to pay as you enter the bus. The ORCA card is the only method for paying for transfers between different services, such as trains, buses, and streetcars.
• If you are paying with cash, you can purchase tickets from ticket machines at the bus or train stations. These ticket machines accept cash as well as credit/debit cards like Visa or MasterCard.
• You can also buy one-way, return, or all-day rail tickets. These tickets are available for purchase on your phone using the Transit GO Ticket app.
• It is important to note that Sound Transit does not have a regional bus ticket program. Therefore, community transit bus tickets are only valid on specific ST Express routes operated by Community Transit or King County Metro Bus (KCM).

Reduced fares for low-income adults, seniors, and disabled people

Sound Transit offers reduced fares for low-income adults, seniors, and disabled people. These fares are available on all Sound Transit services, including buses, trains, and light rail.

Low-Income Adults

Low-income adults can apply for the ORCA LIFT card, which offers one-way fares of $1 on Sound Transit services, regardless of the distance traveled. The card helps income-qualified adult riders save significantly on ST Express buses, Sounder trains, and Link light rail fares. To be eligible for the ORCA LIFT card, individuals must meet certain income requirements, and the card can be used to purchase a pass for unlimited rides for a whole month.

Seniors and Disabled Individuals

Seniors aged 65 and older and individuals with qualifying disabilities can apply for a Regional Reduced Fare Permit (RRFP) through the ORCA program. This permit allows individuals to access reduced fares on services operated by ORCA agencies, including Community Transit, Everett Transit, King County Metro, Kitsap Transit, Pierce Transit, Sound Transit, and Washington State Ferries. The RRFP is provided on an ORCA card, and the first card is now offered free of charge to eligible seniors and disabled individuals. The one-way senior/disabled fares on Sound Transit services are $1, regardless of the distance traveled.

Overall, Sound Transit's reduced fare programs aim to improve access to transportation for low-income, senior, and disabled individuals by offering significant savings on transit fares.

Paying with a credit or debit card

If you choose to use a ticket machine, you can pay with your Visa or Mastercard. Ticket machines are located at all Sounder stations and Link stations.

If you would prefer to use the Transit GO Ticket app, you can do so by following these steps:

• Go to Settings in the app and select Payment Methods.
• Select Add New Payment Method.
• Scan your credit/debit card and fill in the form with the required card details.
• Your card will now be listed as a payment method, and you are ready to purchase tickets.

The Transit GO Ticket app is a great way to get anywhere in the Seattle area. It is a safe, contactless way to pay your transit fare, and it allows you to pay with cash or credit card. When you're ready to board, simply activate the ticket and get on.

Frequently asked questions