Find out today if you qualify for ORCA LIFT, Metro’s new reduced-fare bus pass

With Metro fares scheduled to increase March 1, King County Executive Dow Constantine is encouraging riders to find out now if they qualify for the new reduced-fare bus pass.

ORCA LIFT is one of the largest programs of its kind in the United States and will provide a discounted rate of $1.50 per trip for residents who earn less than 200 percent of the federal poverty rate, which is currently $23,340 per person.

Executive Constantine and the Metropolitan King County Council created the program to ensure that public transportation remains accessible after the transit agency’s sixth fare increases since 2008.

Riders can visit the webpage or call 206-553-3000 to find out if they qualify for the card. They can also visit Public Health – Seattle & King County locations across King County for enrollment assistance. The number of locations will grow to more than 45 this month when the eight partner agencies are fully trained.

According to Rob Beem, Human Services Manager for the City of Shoreline, the cards are available locally at Shoreline Hopelink, located in the lower level of Aurora Square.

Riders can start using ORCA LIFT cards in February, though it will not begin charging the reduced fare until March 1. The cards will be provided to riders at no charge. There will be a $5 fee to replace a lost or stolen card. Riders must re-verify their eligibility every two years.

The reduced fare applies to travel on Metro, Sound Transit Link Light Rail and the Seattle Streetcar.

Updated for local source 02-03-2015 11:42am