Bus Passes & Trip Planning

Get your bus pass for easy riding then plan your trip

Leave the driving to a professional and arrive at work relaxed when you use public transportation! Taking the bus allows you to put your commute time to use: check emails, read the newspaper, make your grocery list or even get some sleep! 

Here are some resources to get you rolling, whether you’re traveling from Tacoma, Puyallup, Lakewood or everywhere between.

Easily pay your transit fares with the ORCA card

Bus Passes Trip Planning - Easily pay your transit fares with the ORCA cardThe ORCA card is the easiest way to pay your transit fares in the Puget Sound region. After loading your ORCA card with E-purse (electronic purse) funds, and/or a monthly pass, you’re ready to ride! 

The ORCA card will automatically track paid fares and transfers so you don't have to. You can ride the bus, light rail, train, streetcar, paratransit or on-demand service (i.e. ADA Shuttle, Pierce Transit Runner, King County Metro) or ferry with your ORCA card.

Ask your employer if they provide an ORCA card or check out the ORCA website to learn how to get your own online or in-person.

FREE AND REDUCED TRANSIT FARES

There are many free and reduced fare options available for youth, seniors, people with disabilities, and state employees. See if you qualify below!

Bus Passes Trip Planning - FREE AND REDUCED TRANSIT FARES

Pierce Transit Regional Reduced Fare Program

The Regional Reduced Fare Permit (RRFP) includes discounts for seniors, individuals with a disability, and Medicare Card holders. 

You can find eligibility requirements, program overview and the application here. 

ORCA LIFT Program

ORCA LIFT is a transit card that allows riders to pay a reduced bus fare because their household income is less than or equal to 200% of the federal poverty level established by the U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services. 

It provides a 50% discount on adult fares for participating transit agencies, including Pierce Transit, Kitsap Transit, King County Metro and Sound Transit.

You can apply for ORCA LIFT at any DSHS Community Services Office across Washington State. Find an office near you here.

Youth ORCA Program

Youth, 18 and younger, can now ride free with a youth ORCA card on all participating transit services and agencies across Washington State, including Pierce Transit, Sound Transit, and much more! See the list of participating agencies here.

Employer Programs and State Employees

Are you a state employee? State employees who work in Pierce, King, and Snohomish counties can commute by bus or train for free. If you are not served by transit, join a vanpool and receive a $50 monthly subsidy to apply to your vanpool fare. Learn more about State ORCA Cards here. 

State employees can also ride free on Intercity Transit (actually, everyone can!).

Get more details on Pierce County’s free and reduced fares here.

BUS PASS IN HAND, NOW YOU NEED A TRIP PLAN

Bus Passes Trip Planning - BUS PASS IN HAND NOW YOU NEED A TRIP PLANUse the Pierce Transit Trip Planner to find the times and routes for Pierce Transit buses to get you where you’re going. You’ll need your start and end location, and an idea of what time you’d like to leave or arrive. 

Did you know one planner is all you need to get around the region!?

Here are bus routes and schedules for:

Real-time arrivals

Get real-time updates on transit arrivals on your computer or phone through these websites and apps:

  1. Are there any resources for people who don’t speak English as a first language?
  2. How do I know which bus to take?
  3. My home is far away from a bus stop, what do I do?
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