Expansion Planned for Low-Income Bus Pass Program in Seattle

The ORCA Opportunity program will provide free bus passes to some of the city’s low-income residents.

1 minute read

February 26, 2019, 9:00 AM PST

By Camille Fink


Seattle Bus

SounderBruce from Seattle, United States / Wikimedia Commons

Sarah Anne Lloyd reports that Seattle is expanding its ORCA Opportunity program, which currently provides free bus passes to high school students and some Seattle Colleges students. The city will start offering the passes to some Seattle Housing Authority residents, and distribution could start early this summer.

The city plans to give priority to high-density SHA sites near transit hubs or to sites along routes with investments from Seattle Transit Benefits District funds. The STBD funds come from a sales-tax increase and vehicle license fee that voters approved in 2014 to expand transit services in the Seattle region.

Lloyd reports that 14,500 students have participated in the program so far, and the SHA expansion will add another 1,500 participants. "The expansion will start as a 12-month pilot program, then be re-evaluated for an extension by SHA, King County Metro, and the Seattle Department of Transportation."

Tuesday, February 19, 2019 in Curbed Seattle

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

24 minutes ago - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog