Jump Start ORCA Program

The Seattle Department of Transportation has partnered with Seattle Public Schools' Jump Start Kindergarten Transition Program to provide families with pre-loaded ORCA cards upon request to travel to and from their Jump Start location via transit for free. 

Who Can Get an ORCA Card

ORCA cards are limited to families with students attending an SPS Jump Start Program in August 2022.

How to Get Your ORCA Card

Our application form has now closed. If you missed our application window and would still like to receive a card, we recommend contacting your Jump Start school directly.

If you have already submitted an application, SDOT will mail your requested number of ORCA cards to your mailing address. 

How to Use Your ORCA Card

Your ORCA card can be used on all transit services provided by King County Metro, Sound Transit, Community Transit, Everett Transit, Kitsap Transit, Pierce Transit, and Washington State Ferries, as well as on Monorail and Seattle Streetcar.

Bus: Tap the ORCA card against the reader after getting on the bus. Pull the yellow cord before your stop to indicate to the driver you would like to exit.  

Light Rail & Streetcar: Tap the ORCA card on the platform before getting on the train and a second time after you leave the train. 

ORCA cards cannot be tapped multiple times on a single journey and each rider must tap their own ORCA card. Children under 6 can ride transit for free without tapping an ORCA card.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cards can I request for my family? 

You can request up to 4 cards through our form. Please make a request on the comment box in the form if you require more than 4 cards.  

These cards can be used by you and any other family members age 6 and over who may need to travel with you as you take your student to Jump Start. Jump Start students and children under 6 do not need to pay or tap an ORCA card to travel on transit. 

How much value is pre-loaded onto the cards? 

$35. Card readers will let you know when your card is low on funds.  

Save it! After a card runs out of value, you may use it like a normal ORCA card and load it with value if you choose; purchase of a new ORCA card would otherwise cost $3. For more information about reloading your ORCA card, visit King County Metro's new ORCA website. To see if you qualify for reduced fare programs, visit King County Metro's Reduced Fare Portal.

How much does a trip on transit cost?

A one-way trip costs $2.25 on King County Metro buses and $2.25 - $3.50 on the Link Light Rail depending on distance traveled.  

Transit is free for children under 6. Jump Start students do not need to pay or tap an ORCA card to travel on transit. 

Contact Us

Email: DOT_TAP@seattle.gov 
Text/Call: 206-256-ORCA (6722)

Transportation

Greg Spotts, Director
Address: 700 5th Ave, Suite 3800, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: PO Box 34996, Seattle, WA, 98124-4996
Phone: (206) 684-7623
684-Road@seattle.gov

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The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is on a mission to deliver a transportation system that provides safe and affordable access to places and opportunities for everyone as we work to achieve our vision of Seattle as a thriving, equitable community powered by dependable transportation.