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TAP and Seattle Public Schools are partnering in 2026 to provide free, unlimited-use ORCA cards to families with a preschooler enrolled in the Head Start program. This is an expansion of the Preschool Transit Pass program which also serves families with a child receiving tuition-free Seattle Preschool.
All Head Start families are automatically enrolled into the Preschool Transit Pass. This transit subsidy is funded by the Seattle Transit Measure and supports families in bringing their child to preschool, other essential services, and community and social events.
Cards will be distributed starting February 2026. If you register for Head Start after February 2026, you will receive information about your ORCA card during your enrollment meeting. An ORCA card will be sent home within two weeks of enrollment. Each household will receive one card, even if more than one student in the household is enrolled.
Head Start families may receive their card through two ways:
- Option 1: If your child rides the bus, your Family Services Coordinator and your child’s teacher will send an ORCA card home in an envelope in their backpack. You will also receive an informational brochure on how to use your ORCA card.
- Option 2: If you pick-up your child from school, you can pick up your card directly via family mail in your child’s classroom. Your card will be in an envelope along with an informational brochure on how to use your ORCA card.
You can use your card for unlimited rides through August 31, 2026. You may keep using your card after this date, but you will need to add your own money to the card beginning September 1, 2026. You can add money at ticket vending machines or on the ORCA website, www.MyORCA.com.
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TAP Updates
Help us spread the word on our upcoming Youth Transportation Summit!
We are excited to announce that we will be hosting a third Youth Transportation Summit on Saturday April 25, 2026, from 9AM to 4PM at Union Station! The free summit is open to youth and young adults ages 14-22 who live, work, study, or play in Seattle. This year’s summit will focus on transportation safety. Youth will learn about the landscape of regional transportation safety, have the opportunity to share their own safety concerns and give feedback, and learn about ways they can get involved. Stay tuned for more updates about our exciting agenda and speakers and the link to register for the event. We will share more information in a future newsletter and on our webpage.
Interested in participating as an agency partner? During our lunch hour we will have a Resource Fair. If you or your organization would like to share information about your programs or services, please email DOT_TAP@seattle.gov and let us know.
 Photo from 2025 Youth Summit
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Partner Updates
Crosslake Connection opens March 28
There are new Link stations at Mercer Island and Judkins Park.
The 2 Line will operate between Lynnwood and Redmond.
The 1 Line will operate between Federal Way and Lynnwood.
Service on both lines will run approximately 5 AM to 1 AM Monday – Saturday, and 6 AM to Midnight on Sundays. Trains will run approximately every 8 minutes during peak hours at new stations, and between 10-15 minutes for the remainder of the day.
Learn how to use transit through Community Transit’s Travel Training Program!
Community Transit has a complimentary Travel Training Program that teaches people how to use and navigate the transit system.
The program is for individuals of all ages and abilities, such as:
Program participants will learn:
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How to plan a trip including what bus to take
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Where bus stops are located and the best way to get to and from bus stops
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How to pay your fare, obtain bus passes, and transfer between buses
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Boarding tips, including how to signal for a stop or use the wheelchair ramp or lift
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What to do if you miss the bus
Check out an episode of That Transit Show where you can learn more about the program from Asch, a travel trainer.
To schedule your Travel Training, connect with Community Transit by:
Learn about Hopelink’s Community Transportation Navigator Program
Hopelink Mobility Management invites community partners to learn about the Community Transportation Navigator (CTN) program, a peer-led program that connects hard-to-reach community members with trusted transportation guides who share their language, culture, and lived experience. Navigators help people understand transportation options and expand access to opportunities by providing culturally inclusive, accessible transportation information and resources. Join Hopelink for a CTN Open House on February 11th from 10:00–11:30 a.m. to meet the team, learn about the CTN model, and share your ideas as we build the next Navigator cohort. Your insights will help ensure this program reaches the communities who can benefit most from peer-led transportation navigation. We warmly invite community-based organizations serving older adults, limited-English-proficiency communities, and other King County residents with transportation access needs to participate and share their perspectives.
The Community Transportation Navigators program encourages everyone to participate, regardless of ability. For accommodation or accessibility information, please contact Sandy Phan at 425-457-3940 or email sphan@hopelink.org
In February, riders can Tap to Pay on the King County Metro RapidRide G Line. You can pay with a contactless credit or debit card or tap a phone or smart device using Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay. This feature is only available on the G line.
The purpose of the soft launch is to expand public usage of the new Tap to Pay feature in a limited capacity to monitor challenges and address issues ahead of a full system launch.
Can I receive transfer benefits during soft launch?
Riders will not receive free, 2-hour transfer benefits between G Line and other modes of transit. Riders can receive free, 2-hour transfer benefits on King County Metro Services only if you ask the operator for a paper transfer after tapping. Once soft launch is over and Tap to Pay launches systemwide, the usual transfer benefits will apply.
Can I receive free or reduced fares using Tap to Pay?
No, you will be charged a full, Adult fare if you pay using a credit or debit card. If you qualify for ORCA LIFT, Senior fares, Disabled fares, Youth fares, or if you received your ORCA card from your school or employer, you should continue using your existing ORCA card.
Do I have to use Tap to Pay on the G Line?
No, you can still use your ORCA card if you prefer.
Monorail has stopped accepting fare transfers beginning January 1
The monorail no longer offers a free 2-hour transfer window for riders using ORCA E-purse (any fare type, including ORCA LIFT and Reduced Regional Fare Participant recipientsand Business Passport products. This change does not impact Monthly PugetPass and Regional Day Pass Riders.
Sign up for Metro’s Green Career Event on March 17
Connect with current Metro and Sound Transit team members to explore a wide variety of careers in public transportation at Metro’s Green Career event. With roles ranging from operators and mechanics, to transportation planners, program managers, engineers, and leadership positions, you can find your fit! This event will allow participants to:
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Research new career opportunities
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Learn how to complete strong job applications and prepare for panel interviews.
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Connect with community organizations and job training opportunities in our region.
This event is for any/ all job seekers, including high schoolers. Already work at Metro or Sound Transit? You’re invited too!
King County values diverse perspectives and life experiences. We encourage people of all backgrounds to attend including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities and veterans.
Please note, this is not a hiring event—Metro and Sound Transit will not be accepting resumes or applications from attendees.
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