Youth ride transit for free
Youth aged 18 and younger can take transit for free. We are excited to bring the freedom of public transit to a new generation of riders!
How it works
All youth can ride transit for free. Riders ages 13-18 are encouraged to use an ORCA card if they have one. Youth who do not have an ORCA card can still ride for free and children aged 12 and younger do not need an ORCA card.
Youth ORCA Card
- Please “tap” your card when you board your bus or at the Swift station before the bus arrives.
- Getting a Youth ORCA card will ensure you have access transit across the region for free.
Is your Youth ORCA card not working?
If you received a Youth ORCA card from your school or a local organization, it may not be registered. Learn how to register your Youth ORCA card.
Youth Program
Community Transit offers a program to local schools and community partners to help educate students on how to ride the bus safely and other public transit basics. If your school or organization is interested in learning more, visit our Youth Programs page.
Riding with children and babies
Children age 12 and younger do not need an ORCA card. Children age 10 and younger should be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or other responsible caregiver to provide adequate supervision. A youth must be sufficiently independent enough to ride unsupervised.
Strollers and other gear must be folded or stored so that they do not block the aisle of the bus.
Free Youth Fare is supported with funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Information about the CCA is available at http://www.climate.wa.gov/.