There are more than 60 bus routes that serve the U District. Whether you work here, live here or are visiting, it’s easy to get around by bus or train.
One Regional Card for All (ORCA)
The ORCA card is all you need to pay your fare on buses and trains in the Puget Sound region. After you load E-purse (electronic purse) value or a monthly pass on it, your ORCA card works like cash or a pass, automatically tracking the value of different fares and transfers so you don’t have to. Here are some popular links to information. You can pay cash or its even easier when you have an ORCA card.
How to get an ORCA card
If you work or volunteer in the U District and want to try transit, see our Commute to Work Planning page for more details.
ORCA Business Passport
ORCA Business Passport is a comprehensive, annual transportation program that is only available as an employer provided benefit.
ORCA LIFT
Now there’s a more affordable way to get to work, school, shopping, day care or anywhere else you need to go. It’s ORCA LIFT, a new, reduced transit fare that can help you get more out of your public transportation system.
ORCA Regional Reduced Price Fair
The Regional Reduced Fare Permit (RRFP) entitles senior riders (age 65 or older), riders with a disability and Medicare card holders to reduced fares on the following public transportation systems in the Puget Sound region.
Lost your ORCA LIFT Card?
If your ORCA LIFT card is lost or stolen you will need to visit the King County Metro Customer Service at 2nd & Jackson. You will need to bring your photo ID and $5 for the replacement fee. Always make sure to register your ORCA card(s) online.
ORCA Youth Card
Riding Metro gives you the freedom to go places and have fun with your friends. Ride together to the mall, meet up at a beach, or just hang out with your friends without bothering mom and dad for a ride.
Schedules, Alerts, Announcements & Service Changes
- King County Metro Transit
- Community Transit
- Sound Transit
- Kitsap Transit
- Pierce Transit
- Everett Transit
- Metro trip planner
- King County Metro’s Schedules & Maps
- Sound Transit trip planner
- Sounder train
Check One Bus Away to see if your bus is running on schedule. Call 206-BUS-TIME at 206-287-8463 if you know your route number and need to find out when the next bus is coming.
Night Owl
The U District is home to dozens of bars, restaurants and hotels which mean people need to commute at all hours. If you work late you have options too. King County Metro’s Night Owl bus service has 18 Metro routes providing service between midnight and 5 am.
Park & Ride Lots
Other Helpful Links
Here are some other resources you might be interested in learning more about when learning about transit.
