Th new capabilities allow riders to use Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express cards, as well as mobile wallets such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay to cover their fares on Metro buses and Sound Transit light rail.
Here are the “important details” Metro is telling riders about the new upgrade to the ORCA payment system:
- Riders are charged an Adult fare and will receive the same 2-hour transfer window benefit as those using an ORCA card.
- Riders cannot receive discounts (Senior, Youth, ORCA LIFT, Disabled) or use passes when paying with debit or credit card.
- Take the physical card you want to use out of your wallet before you tap to avoid unwanted charges on other cards.
- If you already have a digital ORCA card in your Google Wallet, your phone may default to this payment method instead of your debit or credit card. Make sure to check your app’s default payment settings.
- Be prepared to show the last four digits of your card number if your fare is inspected. This information only allows inspectors to review your transaction history; it does not give them access to any of your sensitive, personal information.
- You cannot pay for multiple riders or groups using one card or device.
- Tap to Pay is not available on all services. Check the FAQs to see the full list.
The addition of the service puts ORCA more in line with transit systems across the country and will be especially useful “for occasional riders or out-of-town visitors” as Seattle prepares for its role as a host city for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup.
It might be less useful for regular commuters who now have another payment option to juggle as they manage ORCA cards and various accounts.
The update also comes as Seattle’s transportation system gears up for the opening of the new 2 Line and Judkins Park Station expansion of Sound Transit’s light rail in March.
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