Photo courtesy of Sound Transit

Photo courtesy of Sound Transit

Sound Transit approves free transit for kids, teens

Beginning Sept. 1, youth ages 18 and under can ride for free on Sound Transit transportation.

Youth ages 18 and under can soon ride for free on all Sound Transit transporation beginning Sept. 1.

On July 28, the Sound Transit Board of Directors unanimously approved a new policy allowing free fares for kids and teens. Previously, the reduced youth fare was $1.50.

“Today’s decision will not only increase affordability for youth and families, but it will increase their opportunities as well,” said Kent Keel, University Place council member and Sound Transit board chair. “Free fares mean easy access not just to schools, but to jobs, after-school activities and youth-related programs. It also introduces a new generation to the habit of a becoming lifetime riders of transit.”

Sound Transit said an ORCA card or other fare media are not required for youth to ride free and youth will not be turned away or penalized if they do not have an ORCA card. No personal information will be collected either, the agency added.

Youth ORCA cards issued by schools during the 2021-2022 academic school year will continue to work through June 30, 2023. There are 77,000 Youth ORCA cards that will automatically provide card holders with access to the free fare and youth with a Youth ORCA Card are encouraged to use it when riding, according to Sound Transit.

Starting in 2021, kids and teens will be directed to get a Free Youth Transit Pass which allows them to tap a card, or their smartphone in the future, to access transit across the region for free.

Youth without a Free Youth Transit Pass may be asked to show a student ID or proof of age and will be provided with information about how to get a Free Youth Transit Pass, according to Sound Transit.

The policy allowing free fares for kids and teens was prompted by the Move Ahead Washington transportation package passed by the state Legislature last spring, incentivizing all Washington state transit agencies to adopt a fare-free policy for riders under 19 years old.

Recently, the King County Council approved legislation granting free, year-round public transit access people under the age of 19, named the Free Youth Transit Pass.

For more information about how youth can ride regional transit for free, visit info.myorca.com/youth-ride-free/.


Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in News

File Photo
Kent Police officer shoots, injures man in Des Moines

Feb. 14 incident under review by Valley Independent Investigative Team

People line SE 272nd Street in Covington on Presidents Day, Feb. 17 to protest many of the actions by the Trump administration. COURTESY PHOTO, Ron Auerbach
People line Covington street to protest Trump, Musk actions

One of many protests across the nation against ‘the anti-democratic and illegal actions’

Charlene Honda at the Day of Remembrance on Feb. 8, 2025, at the Washington State Fairgrounds. Photo by Bruce Honda
Federal Way woman recalls her time in U.S. concentration camp

‘It’s good for people to hear what happened so that it never happens again.’

t
Man fatally shot by Kent Police had high blood alcohol level

Crime lab test results show 0.27 blood concentration level in August 2024 shooting at apartments

Courtesy Photo, City of Kent
Construction set in Kent for 74th Ave. S. and Willis Street

Crews to install traffic islands, curbing at busy intersection

t
Kent Police Blotter: Jan. 26 to Feb. 6

Incidents include vehicle prowls, carjacking arrest, police pursuits, shots fired

Kentlake High School. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent School District
Former Kentlake High School teacher pleads guilty to sex charge

Jesse Webb, 46, pleads guilty to communication with a minor for immoral purposes

t
Kent School Board appoints Teresa Gregory to vacant seat

Gregory selected from among 7 finalists to replace Awale Farah

Karen Keiser. COURTESY PHOTO
Former state Sen. Karen Keiser appointed to state Exchange health board

Health Benefit Exchange formed as part of Affordable Care Act

Crews on the SR 509 Completion Project in south King County install the framework for a new bus stop on SR 516, also known as Kent-Des Moines Road. The SR 509 Completion Project includes new or improved connections to existing transit centers and stops. COURTESY PHOTO, WSDOT
Eastbound SR 516 ramp to I-5 in Kent to close for 4 months

Drivers heading to northbound I-5 will use a temporary left turn lane

Courtesy Photo, King County
Tacoma boy, 17, charged with murder in November 2024 Kent case

Reportedly fired six shots into vehicle that killed 21-year-old SeaTac man on West Hill

t
CW series ‘Police 24/7’ features Kent indecent exposure case

Department also part of future TV episodes after crews responded on calls with police in 2024