Do I Need Cash To Ride The Bus In Seattle?

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Seattle has an amazing public transportation system, and taking the bus is one of the easiest forms of transportation without the hassle of traffic or parking. But if you're a visitor or a first-time visitor to Seattle, you might wonder if you can pay with cash for the bus in Seattle or if you can pay another way. The short answer is no, you do not pay with cash, but there are a few ways you should be aware of before getting on a bus.

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It Is Not Possible To Pay For A Bus Ride In Seattle With Cash But There Are Additional Payment Options That Are Possible

If you're accustomed to paying bus fare in cash in other cities, you might think you can keep doing it in Seattle. King County Metro buses don't accept payment of fares in cash anymore, though. That means that if you use the bus, you should bring some other form of payment. Rather than cash, Seattle buses have moved to contactless payment systems for the sake of accelerating and simplifying boarding.

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An ORCA Card Is The Easiest And Best Way For You To Pay For Your Ride On The Bus In Seattle

The ORCA (One Regional Card for All) card is the most convenient and best method to pay to take the bus in Seattle. It is like a prepaid transit card that you swipe when you board. Here is why an ORCA card is a good option:

  • It is available on buses, light rail, ferries, and streetcars.

  • You can top up money into your card online, at vending locations, or at retail outlets.

  • Discounts are provided to the disabled, students, and senior citizens.

If you're going to be riding public transportation frequently, it will be much simpler to travel if you have an ORCA card.

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You Can Use Your Contactless Credit Or Debit Card Or Pay Using Your Mobile If You Don't Have An ORCA Card

If you are not an ORCA cardholder you can also pay by tapping your contactless debit or credit card or phone using Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay. Just tap your phone or your card to pay at the reader when you board, and the fare will be automatically charged. This is a great option for visitors or people who don't want to carry an extra card.

You Can Buy A Bus Ticket With A Mobile Phone Application If You Want To Use A Non-Cash Option

Another easy method is an app like Transit GO Ticket. You can buy bus tickets on your phone so you won't need to carry a card. Just pay for your ticket through the app, show the proof to the driver when you get on, and you're all set.

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If You Attempt To Pay Cash On A Seattle Bus, You Will Not Be Allowed To Get On Without An Appropriate Method Of Payment

There is no longer any way to pay with cash on King County Metro. You can't use dollar bills or coins. If you do not have an ORCA card, a contactless credit or debit card, or a mobile ticket, you will need to find another way to pay before you get on the bus. Planning ahead and having a way to pay before you go will definitely make your trip easier.

Make Sure You Have The Right Form Of Payment Ready So You Can Easily Get On A Seattle Bus And Enjoy The Ride

It's helpful to know how to pay for the bus ride in Seattle. You can no longer pay with cash, so the best things to do are use an ORCA card, tap a contactless credit or bank card, or use an app to buy a mobile ticket. If you plan ahead, your trip will go much more smoothly, and you won't have any issues getting on the bus. Check your way of paying before you go, then tap to pay and ride!