Riders who are over 65, disabled or low-income can now get their ORCA cards for free, as opposed to the standard $5 fee as part of the ORCA Regional Reduced Fare Permit program.
The program entitles senior riders, riders with a disability and Medicare card holders to reduced fares on public transportation systems in the Puget Sound region. Metro Transit, Community Transit, Everett Transit, Pierce Transit, Intercity Transit, Jefferson Transit, Skagit Transit, Kitsap Transit, Sound Transit, Mason Transit, Washington State Ferries, King County Water Taxi and the South Lake Union Streetcar all qualify for the RRFP program.
The program provides a savings of 45 percent or more on transit fees. Users can choose to either load their cards with money to act as a virtual wallet, or choose a monthly plan.
This change is one of several ways that Puget Sound transit is trying to make public transportation more accessible and affordable for residents. Last month, the Seattle City Council and Mayor Jenny Durkan approved free fare and a free card for all public high school students in Seattle, using $5 million each year in car tab fees.
For more information, visit orcacard.com.
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