News / Published on Aug 1, 2024

DART is now accepting ORCA cards for fare payment

Paratransit riders can now tap to pay, the easy way
A hand holding four different types of ORCA cards in front of a portable ORCA card scanner. The background is the inside of a DART paratransit bus.

Pictured above: DART paratransit riders can now scan their ORCA card on a mobile scanner to pay for their ride.

Are you or somebody you know a Dial-A-Ride Transportation (DART) paratransit service rider? Great news – you can now pay for your DART ride with an ORCA card. Community Transit is excited to extend the excellent benefits of paying with ORCA to DART riders to create a more seamless payment experience across transit services.

DART is a ride-sharing service for Snohomish County residents who can't use fixed-route bus service due to a disability or condition. Learn more about DART here.

How to pay for your DART ride with an ORCA card

To pay for your DART ride with an ORCA card, start by purchasing a card and loading it with money. When you get onboard a DART paratransit bus, you will pay your fare by tapping your ORCA card on the DART driver’s handheld ORCA card reader. This will pay your DART fare.

You can order an ORCA card online or purchase one in person at select locations, such as the Community Transit Ride Store. If you order a card online, you will receive it by mail in 5-10 business days. If you sign up for a card in person, you will get an ORCA card the same day.  

How to load funds on your ORCA card

Once you get an ORCA card, there are a few ways you can add funds to it:

  • Go online at myORCA.com -  Create an account to load passes or funds.
  • Download the MyORCA application for your smartphone and create an account to load funds to your card. * Available on the Apple IOS Store or Google Play Store.
  • Visit a customer service location or a retail location in person, including the Community Transit Ride Store. A list of these locations can be found here.
  • Call the Community Transit Ride Store at (425) 348-2350. 

If you use DART services frequently, we recommend adding a monthly pass to your ORCA card to pay for DART fare. The monthly pass is $90, the same as the paper DART monthly pass, and is good for unlimited rides on DART..

If you’re a less frequent DART rider, you can also add funds to your card for pay-as-you-go single rides – just be sure that you’re checking the balance of your ORCA card before you board to make sure you have enough to pay your fare.  

One more detail: while DART riders qualify for a Reduced Regional Fare Permit (RRFP) ORCA card, DART fare is one flat fare for all riders. However, if you plan on taking another form of local transit, such as another Community Transit bus or the Link light rail, you will get discounted fare with an RRFP card. To sign up for a RRFP ORCA card, you will need to complete an application and meet the eligibility criteria. Learn more at info.myorca.com/disabled. 

Learn more and get your ORCA Card

Community Transit is excited to help DART riders get started with an ORCA card, and we are here to help you if you have any questions. To learn more about DART visit our DART webpage, to learn more about getting and ORCA card, call Community Transit’s Ride Store at (425) 348-2350.     

*Please note: Some riders have employer-issued ORCA cards. If this is you, check with your employer if you have questions about reloading your card.

A woman with long blonde hair wearting a black t-shirt and denim jacket.
Written by Samantha Menzimer, Communications Strategist