King County Metro resumes fare enforcement for first time in 4 years

With a two-month “education phase” now passed, the King County Metro is officially resuming enforcing its fares for riders using its public transportation services.

It’s the first time King County Metro is enforcing its fares in four years. In 2020, fare enforcement was paused to reassess and reimagine safety, security, and fare enforcement. Approximately 76% of riders had proof of payment during the “education phase.”

“We see riders are getting back into the habit of tapping their cards and paying at the farebox, which funds essential bus service in our communities,” King County Metro Chief Safety Officer Rebecca Frankhouser said. “As we shift toward issuing warnings and potential citations, we are again reminding riders that there are free and reduced transit fares to ensure everyone can take transit.”

According to King County Metro, more than 300,000 rides are provided each weekday. Bus ridership was around 90 million system-wide last year, while metro fares accounted for an estimated $73 million in revenue.

Ways for riders to show proof of payment

Metro’s fare for adults is $2.75. Fare Enforcement Officers will accept proof of payment in the form of a recently tapped ORCA fare card, an activated Transit GO Ticket on their phone, a tapped ORCA card in Google Wallet, or a transfer slip issued to someone who paid cash or used a human service bus ticket at the farebox.

“We encourage everyone to tap their ORCA card, including youth 18 and under who travel for free,” King County Metro stated.

Warnings, fines, and alternative resolutions

Riders who fail to pay the fare are given two printed warnings without consequence, but the third and any subsequent violations will result in a fine.

For third and subsequent violations, the rider may choose from the following:

• Pay a fine of $20 within 30 days, or $40 within 90 days.
• Load $20 onto an ORCA card or—if eligible—$10 onto a reduced fare program card.
• Enroll in a reduced fare program if eligible.
• Perform two hours of community service.
• Appeal to the Fare Adjudication Program Manager or request a customized resolution.
• Youth who do not have proof of payment will not face a fine or alternative resolution, and will instead receive information on how to enroll in the Free Youth Transit Pass.

Reduced fares available for riders

King County Metro offers reduced and free fares to ensure everyone can take transit.

Individuals with lower incomes can apply to receive an ORCA LIFT card, which allows them to ride King County Metro for $1. People with disabilities and seniors are similarly able to ride a Metro bus for $1 using a Regional Reduced Fare Permit (RRFP) card.

All riders age 18 and younger can ride for free with an ORCA Youth card, while riders enrolled in certain government programs can ride for free if they use the Subsidized Annual Pass.

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