Transit fare assistance · regional
ORCA Subsidized Annual Pass
King County Metro / Sound Transit (regional partnership)
King County Metro and Sound Transit partner to issue an ORCA card pre-loaded with a 12-month, no-cost annual pass valid on Community Transit, Everett Transit, King County Metro, and Sound Transit. The card is renewable each year if the rider remains enrolled in a qualifying state benefit. Cards are issued through DSHS Community Service Offices, Public Health, Seattle & King County, and Catholic Community Services across King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties. Replacement cards are free.
Who qualifies
Resident of King, Pierce, or Snohomish County AND household income at or below 80% of the federal poverty level AND currently enrolled in one of six state benefit programs: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) / State Family Assistance (SFA); Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA); Aged, Blind, or Disabled Cash Assistance (ABD); Pregnant Women Assistance (PWA); Supplemental Security Income (SSI); or Housing & Essential Needs (HEN).
What it covers
Free single rides and pass-equivalent travel on King County Metro (bus, RapidRide, DART, Metro Flex, water taxi), Sound Transit (Link, Sounder, ST Express, Tacoma Link), Everett Transit, and Community Transit (local + Swift bus rapid transit + DART paratransit). Pierce Transit and Kitsap Transit offer reduced (not free) fares to pass holders.
Cost
No charge for the card or for fares on the participating systems. Riders must pay their own fare to ride non-participating systems (e.g., Pierce Transit single ride is $1.00 with the pass).
How to apply
Apply in person at DSHS Community Service Offices, Public Health, Seattle & King County offices, or Catholic Community Services locations across King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties. Apply online via the Reduced Fare Portal (reducedfare.kingcounty.gov) or by phone.
Source info.myorca.com/using-orca/ways-to-save/state-benefit-programs/