Seattle’s public transit system is finally catching up to other major cities with a long-awaited upgrade: riders will soon be able to pay fares by tapping a credit card or smartphone, no physical ORCA card required.
The new Tap to Pay feature lets riders use contactless Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express cards, along with mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay, on buses and trains across the region.
What this is (and isn’t)
This update does not mean ORCA cards are coming to Apple Wallet (yet). ORCA officials say they’re still committed to that feature but haven’t shared a timeline. Android users already gained ORCA support in Google Wallet in 2024.
Also worth noting: if you usually tap your wallet without taking your ORCA card out, you may want to be more careful. Once Tap to Pay launches, the reader could charge a credit card instead of your ORCA card.
When will Tap to Pay launch?
A soft launch begins February 2 on the G Line bus rapid transit route. Tap to Pay is expected to expand system-wide later in February.
The timing isn’t accidental. The upgrade is designed to make transit easier for tourists and occasional riders ahead of Seattle’s World Cup matches this summer, and before the Crosslake Connection opens in March, linking the Eastside to Seattle.
How fares and transfers work
During the G Line soft launch:
- Riders will pay a flat $3 adult fare
- No transfers to other services outside the G Line
Once Tap to Pay rolls out across the full ORCA system, transfers will work the same way they do now, including the standard two-hour transfer window across most agencies.
Important limitations
- One rider per card
- Adult fares only — reduced fares like ORCA LIFT, Senior, Disabled, and Youth aren’t supported
- Fare inspectors can verify payment by checking the card or device you used
ORCA officials stress that Tap to Pay is optional, not a replacement. Riders who use employer-subsidized passes or discounted fares should continue using their ORCA cards. Cash and physical tickets will still be accepted.
Where Tap to Pay won’t work (at first)
The feature won’t initially be available on:
- Washington State Ferries
- Seattle Monorail
- Community Transit DART
- ZIP
- Pierce Transit Runner
One more option
Apple Wallet users can take advantage of Express Mode, which allows transit payments without unlocking your phone. And if you prefer app-based tickets, Transit GO already lets riders pay fares on King County Metro buses, Sound Transit trains, and other regional services.