ORCA Card 101: Buy, Load, Fare Capping, Replacement
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A practical walkthrough of ORCA: how to buy, load value, use fare capping, and replace a lost card. Includes youth, senior, and ORCA LIFT options.
What is ORCA?
ORCA is the interoperable fare system for public transit in the Puget Sound region. The same card works across multiple agencies (bus, Link light rail, Sounder, some ferries).
Where to get an ORCA card
- Online: order a card and set up autoload for stored value.
- Retail: participating grocery and pharmacy locations sell and reload cards.
- Vending machines: available at many Link stations.
Fare capping
When you use stored value, daily and monthly fare caps ensure that once you reach the cost of an equivalent pass, additional trips are free for the period. This happens automatically when you tap the same card.
Reduced fare programs
- ORCA LIFT: income‑based reduced fares for eligible adults.
- Youth programs and Senior/Disabled cards offer additional discounts.
Replacing a lost card
Report a lost card and transfer remaining value to a new one. Be ready to verify your account.
Best practices
- Tap on every boarding and follow posted instructions for transfers.
- Keep your card separate from other RFID cards to avoid misreads.
- Register your card online so you can block it if lost.
Official sources