ORCA Cards for Seattle Housing Authority (SHA) Tenants

We partner with the Seattle Housing Authority (SHA) to provide free, unlimited-use ORCA cards to any SHA resident who is 19 years of age or older. These ORCA cards are valid on King County Metro, King County Water Taxi, Seattle Streetcar, Seattle Center Monorail, Sound Transit, Community Transit, Pierce Transit, Kitsap Transit and Everett Transit. This program is funded by the Seattle Transit Measure. 

ORCA cards are valid until December 31, 2026 for all participants who remain in SHA housing. (Users may notice ORCA card readers will show an earlier expiration date. If you have an SHA Transit Pass, please disregard these earlier expiration dates.) 

The SHA Transit Pass program began in 2019 when we provided 1,500 free, unlimited ORCA cards to SHA residents at 28 properties. In 2023, we expanded the program, and it now serves SHA residents at all 103 SHA-owned and -managed properties. 

How much can I save with this program?

If you are taking part in this program, you can expect to save an average of $1,200 annually on the cost of riding transit. 

ORCA cards through the SHA Transit Pass Program are available to any SHA resident aged 19 or older who lives at an SHA-owned and -managed property.  
 
If you have a SHA Transit Pass Program ORCA card and move out of an eligible SHA property, you will lose access to your unlimited-use ORCA card.  
 
If you are unsure if you live in an eligible SHA property or community, please review  our list of eligible properties. Please note, your name must be on the lease in order to receive an ORCA card.  

Household members ages 18 and younger can already ride transit for free through  Free Youth Transit Pass.

Please register using this Registration form on the Affordable Seattle portal.

• If you need help filling out this form, please call or text (206) 615-3551 or email TransitPass@seattlehousing.org.
• You may select your preferred language on the homepage.

If you qualify for this program, we will mail your SHA Transit Pass to your home address within two weeks. If you already submitted an application, do not resubmit another application or your card may be delayed. 

How Can I Replace a Lost Card?

If you lost your ORCA card and need a replacement, you can request a replacement card.You can also contact SHA by emailing TransitPass@seattlehousing.org or calling (206) 615-3551 with your name and mailing address. We will mail the replacement card to you within two weeks.

Learn more in your language: 

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Call or text: (206) 615-3551
Email: TransitPass@seattlehousing.org