We are partnering with the Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL) to provide a free ORCA card to any household with a child receiving free preschool through the Seattle Preschool Program. This program is funded by the Seattle Transit Measure.
Eligible households will be mailed one (1) ORCA card to be used on all regional public transit. Cards will be mailed 1-2 weeks prior the beginning of the new school year. If you register for Preschool after the beginning of the school year, we will send you an ORCA cards within two weeks of you registering.
The ORCA card can be used 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for unlimited rides through August 31, 2025. If your child is continuing in free preschool for the 2025-2026 school year, you will be mailed a new card, and your old card will be locked.
How to Get Your ORCA Card
Income eligible households attending Seattle Preschool Program will automatically be mailed an ORCA card after they enroll in preschool. Cards will be mailed to the household address on file with the Seattle Preschool Program. If you receive free preschool and have not received your ORCA card, please email DOT_TAP@seattle.gov or call or text us at (206) 256-6722.
How to Replace a Lost Card
We're happy to mail you a replacement card for free to your home address! Just email us at DOT_TAP@seattle.gov or you can call or text us at (206) 256-6722 with your name and mailing address so that we can make sure you are eligible.
Program Background & History
The Seattle Preschool Program (SPP) Transit Pass began in 2023 when we provided free, unlimited ORCA cards to eligible households with a child enrolled in the Seattle Public Preschool program at a location associated with Seattle Public Schools. In 2024 we expanded the Transit Pass program to all income-eligible households with a child enrolled in the Seattle Preschool Program Transit Pass.