Frequently Asked Questions For Transit Riders

What is the ORCA card?

The ORCA (One Regional Card for All) card is a new transit pass that will be used to pay for bus, train, and ferry transit in the Puget sound region. It will unify the fare systems of Sound Transit, King County Metro, Community Transit, Everett Transit, Pierce Transit, Kitsap Transit and the Washington State Ferries.

What are the benefits of the ORCA card?

The ORCA card uses RFID, contact-free technology, meaning that you need only place the card within a few inches of a reader to pay their fare, often without removing it your wallet or purse. Paying a fare will be faster and more convenient as result. The ORCA card will function in a similar manner to a phone card, meaning that you can buy prepaid cards in various denominations, and manage and recharge the cards at kiosks, online, by phone, or through the mail. If you interact with multiple transit systems, you will now need only one transit pass for all your travel needs.

Can I be tracked using the RFID chip in the ORCA card?

Generally speaking, it will be very difficult for a malicious party to track you through the RFID chip in the ORCA card itself. The ORCA card can only be read from few inches away and uses strong encryption that protects all data on the card even when read.

Are there other ways I can be tracked by the ORCA card?

Every time you use your ORCA card, a record of the unique identifier of the card, the time and location of use is stored in the transit agency's database. Over time, these records give a complete history of all your travel. At a minimum, employees of the transit agencies, law-enforcement, and the press will have access to that history. While these groups often have the best intentions when it comes to protecting your private data, it only takes one disgruntled employee or a lost laptop to put your private travel history in the hands of a malicious party.

Can I still be tracked if I use an anonymous prepaid ORCA card?

While an anonymous prepaid ORCA card does not have a direct link between the card and your name, the travel history of the card is collected all the same. Through deduction, your identity can often be determined using only your anonymous travel history. Once the connection between a card and your name is made just once, it identifies your entire travel history. Additionally, you might be reluctant to use an prepaid card when a linked card has is easier to recharge and entitles you to a refund if lost.

What can I do if I'm concerned about the tracking and privacy aspects of the ORCA card?

Fortunately, many of the tracking and privacy issues concerning the ORCA card are easily fixed if transit agencies agree not to record your travel history in a database. Transit agencies are reluctant to make these changes, so let them know that you are concerned about your privacy.