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ORCA - One Regional Card for All

What is a business account? 
Business Account is established by a written agreement between a "business" and one or more transportation agencies for purchasing and providing transportation fare products. This website contains a summary of information about Business Accounts but the controlling terms and conditions are contained in the actual written agreement between the Business Account and a lead transportation agency.
Which organizations may qualify for a business account? 
When pertaining to Business Accounts, the term "business" includes employers, schools, government agencies and human services organizations. Each business category may be eligible for either Business Choice or Business Passport or both. See descriptions below under Products for Sale for more details.
Whom do I contact about business accounts? 
Your business will work with a Lead Agency to establish and maintain your business account. The Lead Agency will be the primary contact for all questions about your Business Account. The Lead Agency is assigned based on the geographical location of your business (e.g., businesses located in King County will be served by King County Metro). In the event that a business has more than one worksite in more than one county, the Lead Agency will be assigned based on the location of the business headquarters or the county in which the business has the greatest number of worksites.
What does ORCA stand for? 
ORCA stands for One Regional Card for All and may be used for rides on Community Transit, Everett Transit, King County Metro Transit, Kitsap Transit, Pierce Transit, Sound Transit and the Washington State Ferries.
How does the smart card work? 
The ORCA card uses contact-free technology and is similar to a building access card. It does not have a magnetic strip. As a result, riders don't have to insert the card into anything - they simply tap the card on the card reader on their bus, train or ferry. It's easy for a business to keep track of its account; order products or additional cards; add value to cards and perform a variety of other management functions.
How is fare payment processed? 
Cardholders may purchase a monthly pass or E-purse on their ORCA card.  To pay a fare, the cardholder just taps the ORCA card on the target sensor of the ORCA card reader on the bus, at the ferry terminal or at the train or rail station. The card reader will automatically calculate what product to use or deduct the correct fare from the E-purse, calculating transfers and appropriate Senior, Disabled, Youth and other discounts. The card reader will display how the fare was paid, and/or the remaining E-purse value.
What special care is needed for an ORCA card? 
The ORCA card contains a small internal antenna that communicates with the card reader.  Cutting, scratching, bending or punching a hole in the card may damage the antenna, causing it to malfunction. If a business cardholder loses or damages the card, the business account will be charged a replacement card fee. Defective cards will be replaced free of charge within the first 12 months.
Is my FlexPass valid on Ferry District services? 
Your FlexPass is an annual pass that your employer provides under contract with Metro. The contract does not include fares for the Vashon Island/Downtown Seattle Water Taxi, so FlexPasses are not accepted. 
Employers will be converting their FlexPass accounts to ORCA between mid-2009 and mid-2010. When an employer converts its employee transit benefit to ORCA, it will be accepted on Ferry District service. 
Check with your employee transportation coordinator to discuss the timing of the employer's transition to ORCA and plans for employee commute benefits.
Is my FlexPass valid on Ferry District services? 
Your FlexPass is an annual pass that your employer provides under contract with Metro. The contract does not include fares for the Vashon Island/Downtown Seattle Water Taxi, so FlexPasses are not accepted. 
Employers will be converting their FlexPass accounts to ORCA between mid-2009 and mid-2010. When an employer converts its employee transit benefit to ORCA, it will be accepted on Ferry District service. 
Check with your employee transportation coordinator to discuss the timing of the employer's transition to ORCA and plans for employee commute benefits.