Glossary

Add value

The action of adding a product to an ORCA card. These products include a regional pass, an agency-specific pass or an E-purse.

Agency pass or product

An agency pass or product that covers multiple rides on one specific agency's transportation service.

Autoload

The process of setting up an account to automatically add value to an ORCA card through a secure funds transfer from a credit or debit card. The Autoload feature adds a new agency or regional pass when the current pass expires, or adds a predetermined amount of value to your E-purse when your E-purse reaches zero. Autoload is available only if the ORCA card is registered.

Balance protection

Offers users a replacement card and restores any value that was on the card at the time it was reported lost, stolen or damaged. Balance protection is available only if the ORCA card is registered.

Card reader

The device located on buses, at ferry terminals or on rail platforms that reads transactions on the card when a user taps the card on the ORCA logo.

Contact-free technology

Technology that allows the ORCA card to be read without making contact or being inserted into a fare card reader. It is similar to many building access systems that grant access when a card is held within a few inches of the reader.

E-purse

Short for electronic purse, E-purse is stored transportation value used like cash to pay your fare. You can store value from $5 to $300 on your ORCA card.

My ORCA Account

A feature accessible to registered ORCA cardholders that allows them to track and manage their ORCA account online.

Replacement fee

A replacement fee is paid to replace a lost, stolen or damaged registered ORCA card or ORCA RRFP card. A Regional Reduced Fare Permit ORCA card fee is $3. The fee for all other ORCA cards is $5. A defective card will be replaced at no charge.

Regional pass

A regional pass that allows travel on transit services in the region for a specified period of time. Valid on Community Transit, Everett Transit, King County Metro Transit, Kitsap Transit, Pierce Transit and Sound Transit.

Regional Reduced Fare Permit

A permit issued by regional transportation agencies to enable eligible seniors and persons with disabilities to take advantage of fare discounts. Medicare cardholders are eligible for a Regional Reduced Fare Permit (RRFP).

Zone fare preset

A setting on your ORCA card that identifies the number of zones you usually ride. Use the preset if you regularly do not travel the full length of a bus route with a zone fare. Setting a fare preset is only required if you travel on a bus with a zone based fare. Currently only King County Metro and Sound Transit have zone based bus fares.

Fare vending machine

A kiosk at rail stations where riders can purchase train tickets, add a pass or E-purse value to their ORCA card or purchase a new Adult ORCA card.

Refund

Sales of ORCA Product are final and nonrefundable. A cardholder with a registered, individual ORCA card (not provided by an employer or institution) may obtain a refund provided they opt to withdraw from the ORCA Program and surrender the card. The refund will be calculated on E-purse value at the time the card is surrendered minus a $10 administrative fee. See Terms of Use.

Associated cardholder

An entity or person, other than the Primary cardholder, who pays for an Autoload for the product or products on an ORCA card. An Associated Cardholder does not use the card for transit purposes. See Primary Cardholder.

Primary cardholder

The person who uses the ORCA card for transportation services. See Associated Cardholder.