Metro has set a tentative date for the conclusion of fare-free rides and rear-door boarding: May 31. But the question on nobody’s mind: If I have a non-employer ORCA card, should I load a June pass on it?
The best way to approach this is to load—online, that is—the amount of prepaid value (“e-purse”) that is equivalent to a monthly pass ($54 for ORCA LIFT, $99 for Metro and Sound Transit Express) to your ORCA card. That way, you’re ready to convert the e-purse to a monthly pass once the reinstatement of fares become more certain, and you’re ready to ride again.
When the pandemic subsides, convert e-purse to a monthly pass by calling Customer Service, or by using any of the Ticket Vending Machines (TVM) at train stations and select park and ride lots. See hours and locations: https://www.soundtransit.org/ride-with-us/how-to-pay/orca-card/how-to-buy-orca-card.
See Metro’s news release: https://kingcountymetro.blog/2020/05/04/metro-adds-trips-and-seat-signs-no-fares-through-may-31/
The news release only says no fares through AT LEASTZ May 31. It does not give a tentative date. Is there something I’m missing?
Unofficially it will probably be fare-free thru June but no word yet out of the 8th floor at King Street Center.