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. In addition to college tuition, the City of Seattle’s ORCA Opportunity 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 31st of your second year in the program.

How much can I save with this program?

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

Eligibility

If you are a Seattle Promise Scholar in good standing with the program, you are entitled to a Seattle Promise Scholar ORCA pass.

How to Apply

How can I receive My Promise Scholars ORCA Card?

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

  • If you did not receive a Promise Scholars ORCA card at your orientation, or
  • If you already have a card and want to continue using it for the current school year. You must complete this form to use your free ORCA card during the current school year.

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 or any additional questions, please email ORCAOpportunity@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 reference our Seattle Promise Scholar Transit Pass Digital Brochure. 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.

Learn More

Transportation Access Programs (TAP) Webpage - See all programs for affordable, safe, and equitable access to transit and sign up for the TAP newsletter.

Transportation Access Programs Resource Library - Find more help navigating transit.

Contact

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.