EVERETT — A reduced bus fare for low-income riders will be available in Snohomish County starting next week.
On Monday, eligible riders can apply for ORCA LIFT, a low-income fare card, which can be used on Community Transit and Everett Transit.
On Everett Transit the reduced fare will be $1.50. The only exception is on the commuter route 70, which will have a low-income fare of $1.25.
This will match the reduced fare on Community Transit commuter buses that travel to King County. The low-income fare for local Community Transit routes — buses that don’t leave Snohomish County — will be $1.25.
To qualify, riders must have a monthly income of $2,082 or less for individuals and $4,292 or less for a family of four. The income levels are based on 200 percent of the federal poverty level.
People can sign up in person at one of four Washington Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) customer service offices in the county.
Alderwood at 20311 52nd Ave. W, Suite 100, Lynnwood
Everett at 840 N. Broadway, Suite 200, Everett
Skykomish Valley at 9705 State Route 2, Suite 100, Monroe
Smokey Point at 3704 172nd St. NE, Suite P, Arlington
No appointment is necessary.
Folks will need to bring photo identification and proof of income or benefits. Examples of that include: ProviderOne medical services card, EBT card, employment security pay stub or award letter from Social Security.
The reduced fare cannot be paid in cash. An ORCA LIFT card must be used. The first one is free, replacement cards will cost $3. Eligibility lasts for two years.
Those who already have an ORCA LIFT card will automatically be charged the reduced fare starting Monday. It is also accepted on Kitsap Transit (bus, Foot Ferry and Fast Ferry), King County Metro Transit, Sound Transit, Seattle Streetcar and King County Water Taxi.
Lizz Giordano: 425-374-4165; egiordano@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @lizzgior.
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