Seattle Promise Scholar Transit (ORCA) Pass

Assistance
$1,200 average annual savings
Deadline
None
Time to apply
5-10 mins
Processing time
3-5 days
Students in a college computer lab Row of college students sitting in class

Overview

Seattle Promise is the City of Seattle’s college tuition and student success program designed to provide the financial support and personal guidance needed to thrive in college. The Seattle Promise Scholar Transit Pass Program provides Seattle Promise Scholars with a free, unlimited use ORCA card while enrolled in the program.  

The card can be used 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is valid through August 31 of scholars’ final year in the Seattle Promise program. This program is funded by the Seattle Transit Measure.

How much can I save with this program?

With this program, you can expect to save an average of $1,200 annually.

Eligibility

Anyone who is currently a Seattle Promise Scholar can participate in the Transit Pass program and receive a free ORCA card.  

The Seattle Promise program, managed by Seattle Colleges, is open to all Seattle public high school graduates. For more information, see the Seattle Promise Webpage

How to Apply

As part of the Seattle Promise Scholars program, you will be required to attend Summer Bridge (New Student Orientation) in late Summer/ early Fall before you begin the program. You will receive your ORCA card at this time. Please fill out the Enrollment Form in the following cases:

  • You did not receive a Promise Scholars ORCA card at your orientation, or
  • You need to request a replacement card 

FAQs

  • Community Transit
  • Everett Transit
  • King County Water Taxi
  • King County Metro
  • Kitsap Transit
  • Pierce Transit
  • Seattle Streetcar
  • Sound Transit
  • Seattle Center Monorail

If you have a lost/damaged card, please complete the Enrollment Form linked above to request a replacement card. If you have additional questions, you can email DOT_TAP@seattle.gov or call/text (206) 256-6722.

All replacement cards will be issued at no cost.

For more information about how to use your new ORCA Card, please visit King County Metro’s “How to Ride” website. It also includes tips to help you navigate public transportation across the region. 

The Seattle Promise program is open to all Seattle public high school graduates regardless of grade point average (GPA), income or country of birth. For more information about the Seattle Promise Program and eligibility, see the Seattle Promise Webpage.

Contact

Transportation

Adiam Emery, Interim 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.