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Fare education
King County Metro will ask you for proof of fare payment starting March 31, 2025.
Warnings, fines and alternative resolutions start on May 31, 2025.
Fare Enforcement Officers will accept proof of payment in the form of:
- a recently tapped ORCA card,
- an activated Transit GO Ticket on your phone,
- a tapped ORCA card in Google Wallet, or
- a transfer slip issued to someone who paid cash at the farebox.
Find the fare that is right for you
Because the freedom to move is a human right, Metro offers regular, reduced and free fares to ensure everyone can take transit.
- ORCA LIFT: $1 fares for people with lower incomes.
- Regional Reduced Fare Permit: $1 fares for seniors and people with disabilities.
- Youth ORCA card: Free fares for all youth ages 18 and younger.
- Subsidized Annual Pass: Free fares for people enrolled in certain government programs.
Fares help pay for transit
When you pay for your Metro ride, you make transit better for everyone. More people tapping their ORCA card helps provide more transit service and more state funding.
Don’t have proof of payment?
Starting May 31, 2025, if you cannot show proof of fare payment, you will receive a warning, fine or an alternative resolution.
First and second times riding without proof: written warning
Third time or more times riding without proof: fine or alternative resolution
Alternative resolutions help ensure fairness. Metro understands that if you cannot afford to pay a fare, you cannot afford to pay a fine.
Examples:
- Pay a fine of $20 within 30 days or $40 within 90 days.
- Load $20 onto an ORCA card or—if eligible—$10 onto a reduced fare program card.
- Enroll in a reduced fare program if eligible.
- Perform two hours of community service.
- Appeal to the Fare Adjudication Program Manager or request a customized resolution.
Youth who do not show proof of payment (such as a tapped Free Youth Transit Pass or school I.D.) will not face a fine or alternative resolution. If youth riders do not have a pass, they will receive information on how to register for a Free Youth Transit Pass.