ORCA ALERT
Transition to ORCA Smart Card
December 2009

Thousands of PugetPass and FlexPass users are transitioning to the new ORCA smart card this year.

For the general public, monthly passes for January 2010 and beyond must be “loaded” on an ORCA card.

However, if your employer, college, or other organization provides you with a pass, then you may continue to receive a valid PugetPass or FlexPass. These PugetPasses and FlexPasses will continue to be accepted until they expire. You may use them to ride Pierce Transit and any other transit partner indicated on the pass.

During the next several months, your organization may transition to the ORCA card. It’s a smart new way to ride the bus, train or ferry. Riders don’t have to worry about different fares and transfers, because the card does the math. ORCA is a reloadable card that can be used for several years.

In the coming months, look for more ORCA information from your Employee Transportation Coordinator or call Pierce Transit at 253.589.6373.

And get ready to ride smarter!

Pick up your ORCA Smart Card now!

The general public can no longer buy a PugetPass. Passes are now "loaded" on an ORCA card. Functioning much like a debit card, ORCA can be a monthly pass, a money purse, or both.

ORCA cards cost $5 and are available in Adult, Youth or Reduced Regional Fare Permit (RRFP: discounted for seniors and the disabled) versions. Find out where to pick one up at orcacard.com. Load transportation value on your ORCA at Pierce Transit Bus Shops, online at orcacard.com, by phone, by mail, at ticket vending machines or at Saar’s MarketPlace stores. Pierce County Fred Meyer and Key Banks no longer sell passes.

SHUTTLE Customers Do NOT Use ORCA.

SHUTTLE
ORCA can’t be used to pay SHUTTLE fares. SHUTTLE passengers pay fares with cash or a special monthly pass on sale now at Pierce Transit Bus Shops, and online.

Other fare changes, effective January 1, 2010:

Pierce Transit Tickets
Ticketbooks are no longer available to the general public. ORCA performs the same function as tickets. Tickets purchased prior to January 1, 2010 will continue to be honored for fare payment.

New Transfer Rules Between Transit Systems
Paper transfers issued by one transit agency are not valid on other systems. Pierce Transit issues paper transfers for cash or ticket transactions on local service only.

Sound Transit Tickets and Transfers
Sound Transit Express buses no longer issue paper transfers. ORCA provides this function. Sound Transit tickets and ticketbooks are no longer sold. Tickets purchased prior to January 1, 2010, continue to be honored. Tickets and passes issued at Sound Transit vending machines are only valid on Sounder Rail and Link Light Rail. They are not valid on buses.

All Day Passes
Pierce Transit continues to offer Weekend All-Day Passes, valid on Pierce Transit only. King County Metro’s All-Day Pass and paper transfers are valid on Metro buses only.