Recovery Card

ORCA Recovery Card

 
UPDATE: The Recovery Card Program ends May 31, 2024. That means your ORCA card won't have the unlimited rides feature anymore. You can still keep your card and start using your own money to pay for rides. To learn more about how to put money on your card, check out MyORCA.com.  

We are no longer processing new card requests or replacement cards.

Individuals: If you're worried about how much it might cost to ride after the Recovery Card Program ends, visit King County Metro’s Reduced Fare Portal to find out which reduced fare option is best for you.

Employers: Did you know you can provide ORCA cards to your employees through an ORCA Business Program? For a complimentary consultation, please contact Commute Seattle by calling (206) 613-3233 or email orca@commuteseattle.com. If you need support in a language other than English, contact the King County Metro Language Equity line at (206) 553-3000. Business starting a new ORCA Passport program are eligible for 50% off their first year, up to $10k!

What is the ORCA Recovery Card?

The ORCA Recovery Card is a temporary, unlimited, and full-subsidized ORCA card provided to food service and grocery/ convenience store employees who work at a business in Pioneer Square, the Chinatown/International District, Othello, or Rainier Beach. 

The pass is valid for use on King County Metro, King County Water Taxi, Seattle Streetcar, Seattle Center Monorail, Sound Transit, Community Transit, Pierce Transit, Kitsap Transit, and Everett Transit. The ORCA cards may not be used on Washington State Ferries. 

The Recovery Card program began in 2021 inresponse to the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more about the success of the program here: 2022 Recovery Card Evaluation 

Background

In November 2020, Seattle voters approved STBD Proposition 1, now called the Seattle Transit Measure (STM). The six-year proposition included an ordinance asking the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) to support transportation access for Essential Workers in Seattle. 

How Can I Get a Card?

Do You Qualify for the Recovery Card?

To qualify for a Recovery card, your workplace must meet four requirements:

  • It must be classified as a food service or grocery business.
  • It must reside within our designated geographic boundaries
    • CID/Pioneer Square boundaries outlined HERE.
    • Othello/Rainier Beach boundaries outlined HERE.
  • The business must not have more than 5 locations in the City of Seattle.
  • The business cannot already provide a comparable transportation benefit. 

Eligible applicants can complete a registration form. 

Application Form

We are no longer accepting applications for new Recovery Card participants.

How Can I Replace a Lost Card?

We are no longer issuing replacement cards for lost, stolen, or damaged cards. 

Additional Questions? 

Email us at DOT_TAP@seattle.gov

Transportation

Greg Spotts, 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.