How will the new payment option impact Seattle's transit system?

The contactless payment feature will help manage rising demand by reducing barriers and making transit more convenient for riders and visitors.

Who is expected to benefit from the implementation of open payments in Seattle’s transit system?

Both everyday riders and visitors to the Puget Sound region are expected to benefit from the ease and accessibility of contactless payments.

Why is the launch of open payments significant for Seattle at this time?

It is significant as Seattle prepares to host approximately 750,000 fans for upcoming global games, necessitating efficient transit options.

INIT Introduces Open Payments for Seattle’s ORCA Fare System

Q: Which payment methods are supported by the new contactless payment feature?

Visa, Mastercard, Discover Network, American Express cards, as well as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay are supported.

The landmark event empowers riders across six agencies in the Puget Sound region to tap-and-ride transit using a contactless credit or debit card or a mobile wallet.

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March 10, 2026

A Sound Transit Link light rail vehicle in a station — ORCA supports travel across buses, ferries, and light rail for six regional partner agencies: Sound Transit, King County Metro, Community Transit, Everett Transit, Kitsap Transit, and Pierce Transit.
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INIT/Sound Transit

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INIT Innovations in Transportation Inc. and Seattle’s Sound Transit have introduced open payments on the ORCA regional fare system, allowing passengers to use contactless credit/debit cards or mobile wallets.
The new contactless payment method supports Visa, Mastercard, Discover Network, and American Express, along with mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.
This development aims to ease transit use as the region anticipates increased demand, particularly with the upcoming global games, by facilitating easier and convenient payment options for riders.

*Summarized by AI

INIT Innovations in Transportation Inc., in partnership with Seattle’s Sound Transit, successfully launched open payments on the ORCA regional fare system.

The landmark event empowers riders across six agencies in the Puget Sound region to tap-and-ride transit using a contactless credit or debit card or a mobile wallet.

Contactless in Seattle

Contactless payment options now include Visa, Mastercard, Discover Network, and American Express cards, as well as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay in mobile wallets. This feature will significantly impact the region’s ability to manage rising demand as Seattle prepares to host an estimated 750,000 fans during the upcoming global games.

“Open payments reduce barriers and make transit the easy choice for everyday riders and visitors alike,” said Chris McKnight, ORCA director. “By partnering with INIT, people can now ride with the cards and devices they already carry.”

Public transit ridership in the Seattle region continues to expand, and ORCA has played a key role in that momentum.

Since its implementation, the system has recorded major milestones, including 82 million ORCA card taps at its first anniversary.

Today, 79% of fares are paid using ORCA, underscoring the system’s widespread adoption and ease of use.

Boosting Multimodality

ORCA supports travel across buses, ferries, and light rail for six regional partner agencies: Sound Transit, King County Metro, Community Transit, Everett Transit, Kitsap Transit, and Pierce Transit.

As service expands with more buses, light rail extensions, and improved ferry connections, INIT’s fare technology ensures the Puget Sound transit network is ready to meet rising demand while putting riders first — now and in the years ahead.

ORCA is one of multiple INIT fare systems being launched in World Cup host cities, including Houston and Atlanta.