ORCA Cards for Seattle Housing Authority (SHA) Tenants

Assistance
Free ORCA cards for eligible residents
Deadline
12/31/2026
Time to apply
5-10 mins
Processing time
2-3 weeks
Apply
Apply for SHA ORCA Card
A man waits to board a Metro bus

Overview

Seattle Housing Authority (SHA) residents who live in an SHA owned and managed property are eligible to receive an unlimited-use ORCA card to take transit at no cost.

The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) partners with the Seattle Housing Authority (SHA) to provide free, unlimited-use ORCA cards. Cards are valid on King County Metro, King County Water Taxi, Seattle Streetcar, Seattle Center Monorail, Sound Transit, Community Transit, Pierce Transit, Kitsap Transit and Everett Transit.

ORCA cards are valid until December 31, 2026. Users may notice ORCA card readers will show an earlier expiration date. Please disregard expiration dates as shown on ORCA card readers for the SHA Free Transit Pass.

Eligibility

The Transit Pass Program is available to any SHA resident aged 19 or older who lives at an SHA owned and managed property. If you are unsure if you live in an eligible SHA property or community, please review our list of eligible properties. Please note, your name must be on the lease in order to receive an ORCA card. Household members ages 18 and younger can already ride transit for free through the Free Youth Transit Pass.

How to Apply

The Seattle Housing Authority Transit Pass Program is open for registration!

If you qualify for this program, we will mail your SHA Transit Pass to your home address within two weeks. If you already submitted an application, do not resubmit another application or your card may be delayed.

FAQs

How Can I Replace a Lost SHA Transit Pass?

If you lost your ORCA card and need a replacement, you can request a replacement card.You can also contact SHA by emailing TransitPass@seattlehousing.org or calling (206) 615-3551 with your name and mailing address. We will mail the replacement card to you within two weeks.

Refer to the following FAQ files for more information about the program:

 

Contact

Transportation

Greg Spotts, Director
Address: 700 5th Ave, Suite 3800, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: PO Box 34996, Seattle, WA, 98124-4996
Phone: (206) 684-7623
684-Road@seattle.gov

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The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is on a mission to deliver a transportation system that provides safe and affordable access to places and opportunities for everyone as we work to achieve our vision of Seattle as a thriving, equitable community powered by dependable transportation.