Metro Transit bus fare goes up; reduced fare now available for some

KING COUNTY -- King County Metro Transit fares are going up 25 cents for adult riders and businesses that offer "Business Choice" accounts to their employees starting March 1.

Metro says the fare increases will "place Metro on more stable financial footing and will help keep service on the road."

Access paratransit service fares are increasing 50 cents to $1.75 per trip. According to Metro, "the increase reflects the much higher expense of operating Access service compared to regular bus service."

The transit service is also launching a new reduced fare to help those with limited incomes. The reduced ORCA LIFT fare will be $1.50 per trip regardless of time of day or number of zones traveled.

This reduced fare program will be available to riders earning at or below 200-percent of the federal poverty level. Metro estimates that income level at about $23,340 for an individual.

"Customers who have a Passport or U-Pass through their business or school will notice the change as contracts are renewed after March 1.

An ORCA LIFT card is required for the reduced fare. Metro, Public Health–Seattle/King County, along with eight other human service providers from all across the county, have teamed up and are standing by to work with riders to determine eligibility and provide them with ORCA LIFT cards.

Metro and its partners are making it as convenient as possible to sign up and determine eligibility. Just visit ORCALIFT.com to learn more about the program and to locate your nearest enrollment office.  A trained customer service representative will help you determine if you are eligible.

The Seattle Streetcar, King County Water Taxi, Sound Transit Link light rail and Kitsap Transit will offer similar reduced fares for riders who have an ORCA LIFT card.

The Regional Reduced Fare Permit and human service ticket programs will continue to assist people who rely on Metro as a safety net."