Low Income Bus Fare Coming in March!

February 12, 2015

Summary

Orca Lift available to those who qualify

Story

A new reduced Metro bus fare for low-income riders will be available for King County residents in March.

“Rents are increasing and wages are shrinking for too many people in South King County,” Metropolitan King County Councilmember Dave Upthegrove said as helped to kick off the program at Global to Local in SeaTac on February 11. “This reduced fare will make commuting to work and school a little bit easier for a lot of our neighbors.”

Starting on March 1, the ORCA LIFT pass allows low-income residents to take advantage of reduced fares for Metro bus trips and Sound Transit Link light rail rides. People who qualify for the fare must live in King County and make less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (See Chart Below).

“The ORCA LIFT pass and Metro’s new reduced bus fare will make commuting more affordable for thousands of people in South King County,” Upthegrove said. “I am grateful that organizations like Global to Local here in SeaTac are stepping up to help as many people as possible take advantage of the new card.”

People interested in the low-income fare and signing up for the ORCA LIFT pass should visit Metro’s website  or call 206-553-3000 with any questions. Residents may also sign up for the new pass at any of the below South County locations and must verify income eligibility.

ORCA LIFT General Information

Beginning March 1, 2015, the reduced fare for King County Metro buses is $1.50 per trip any time of day, for one- or two-zone travel; Sound Transit Link light rail is $1.50; Seattle Streetcar is $1.50,

Income Thresholds (200% of Federal Poverty Level)

Household Size	200% of FPL
1	$23,340
2	$31,460
3	$39,580
4	$47,700
5	$53,820

Locations in South King County (YMCA locations will offer income verification services soon as well) Please contact providers for information about hours of operation as services vary at each locations.

Burien
SeaMar (14474 Ambaum Blvd SW, 206-870-3590)

Des Moines
HealthPoint (26401 Pacific Hwy. S, 206-812-6140)

Kent
DSHS Office (1313 W. Meeker St., Suite 100, 253-372-5930)

Children’s Home Society (212 5th Ave., 253-850-2582)

Multiservice Center (515 West Harrison Street, 253-854-4406)

ReWA (232 2nd Ave. S., Suite 107, 253-859-6197)

Renton
Renton Community Services Office (500 SW 7th St, Suite B, 425-793-5700)

SeaTac
Global to Local (4040 S. 188th St., 206-816-3243)

ReWA (16256 Military Road South, Suite 102, 206-957-2029)