Fare changes and what you need to know to be prepared
Changes to our transit systems are about to take place, making how we pay for a ride on transit simpler, easier to understand and and less expensive when crossing multiple zones. Starting in July of this year, fares are projected to change for King County Metro and Sound Transit and in October, Community Transit will revise their fare structure.
Here are the details:
Regardless of zones, peak, or non peak hours riders will have a simplified flat rate of $2.75. With the current change happening, 40% of riders will experience a change of fare being paid. The other 60% travel during peak hours and one zone so they will not be affected by the $2.75 rate change.
All Zones Non Peak Hours $2.50
One Zone Peak Hours $2.75
Two Zone Peak $3.25
$2.75 Flat Rate
Fares will be changed to $3.25 regardless of county crossings. Changes will be made the same time as King County Metro in July 2018. Sound Transit says simplified fares will:
- Be easier to understand
- Speed up boarding
- Better align fares with other transit agencies
One-County $2.75
Muti-County $3.25
$3.25 Flat Rate
Youth and Reduced fares have not increased since 2013. These changes would take effect October 1, 2018.The agency proposes a 25-cent increase for local bus and DART paratransit fares. The proposal would also simplify Commuter fares for inter-county riders, designating one fare for all commuter routes. Vanpool rates would be increased an average of $14/month per van, based on size of van and length of trip.
| Adult | Youth Reduced | (Ages65+/Disabled/
Medicare) |
|
| Local | $2.25 | $1.50 | $1.00 |
| Commuter-South/
Everett |
$4.25 | $3.00 | $2.00 |
| Commuter-North/
East* |
$5.50 | $4.00 | $2.50 |
| Adult | Youth Reduced | (Ages65+/Disabled/
Medicare) |
|
| Local | $2.50 | $1.75 | $1.25 |
| Inter-County Commuter | $4.25 | $3.00 | $2.00 |
| DART Paratransit | $2.50 |
Now that you’ve seen the changes happening to fares, what does this mean for ORCA LIFT users? Customers crossing counties would previously be charged a max amount of $2.75. Fare is proposed to be $1.50 regardless of county crossings.
One Zone $1.50
Two Zone $2.75
$1.50 Flat Rate Fare
Need help finding a great commute? Check out our commute planning services here. Sign up for our newsletter and get connected with an ORCA LIFT card at our events.