Local transit agencies participating in the Puget Sound region’s ORCA smart card system have teamed up to launch a Regional Day Pass program, Sound Transit officials announced July 1.
As a result, two new pass products can be added to an ORCA card: an $8 Regional Day Pass for adult riders valid for unlimited rides on services with fares up to $3.50; and a $4 Regional Day Pass for ORCA Regional Reduced Fare Permit (RRFP) cardholders (seniors and riders with disabilities) valid for unlimited rides on services with fares up to $1.75. At this time, there is no youth or low-income day pass product.
If the fare value of the Regional Day Pass ($3.50 adult, $1.75 RRFP) is less than the fare for the service, the rider can pay a fare upgrade using E-purse stored on the ORCA card or with cash on buses. Those who don’t already have ORCA cards can purchase them at $5 for an adult card or $3 for seniors (65+) or riders with disabilities. Regional Day Passes are accepted on bus, light rail, commuter rail, streetcar, and foot ferry services operated by Community Transit, Everett Transit, King County Metro, Kitsap Transit, Pierce Transit, and Sound Transit. As with the current ORCA PugetPass, the ORCA Regional Day Pass is not valid for fare payment on Washington State Ferries service.
The new options are intended to make it easier for tourists and visitors to use transit while in town, according to Sound Transit officials. Local residents can also purchase day passes, which are available where ORCA cards are sold and revalued. The launch of a permanent day pass program follows a pilot project conducted last year (see “ORCA Card: New day pass aims to serve regional visitors,” Tacoma Daily Index, April 7, 2014; and “NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ORCA Agencies Planning For New Regional,” Tacoma Daily Index, April 3, 2015).
