Over 60% of all transit trips in Washington are paid through ORCA Smartcard

ORCA ‘One region card for all’ smart card was launched in April, 2009. ORCA smart card is a plastic card containing an embedded microchip processor that can keep track of travel fares. It uses contact-less technology so user needs to bring it within a few inches of a card reader for it to work.

The smart card was launched through an agreement of seven agencies - Community Transit, Sound Transit, Kitsap Transit, Everett Transit, Pierce Transit, King County Metro, and Washington State Ferries. These companies signed a contract of $43 Mn and awarded it to vendor ERG transit systems. More than 120 retail stores, including Safeway and Saar's locations, local QFC, just joined the 40 transit agency venues that sell ORCA cards.

ORCA card costs ...