Community Transit to Restore Fare Collection

Community Transit will begin collecting fares for Swift Blue and Swift Green bus rapid transit lines Monday, June 1. Unlike other Community Transit bus routes, Swift riders pay fares at Swift stations, not at the front of the bus.

Fares on all other Community Transit buses will remain suspended for the month of June, with a plan to restore fare collection in the coming months based on updated safety measures.

Community Transit temporarily suspended the collection of fares in March to allow riders to board and exit buses through the middle and rear doors. This allows for increased physical distance between riders and bus drivers. The agency also blocked off the front section of its buses for the protection of drivers. Only ADA customers are allowed to use the front door and sit in the front section.

With guidance from public health officials, Community Transit has taken other measures since March to increase safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, including nightly disinfecting of all buses and closing some seats to allow for increased physical distance between riders. The agency continues to remind riders to:

• Wear face coverings;
• Cover coughs and sneezes;
• Wash hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds;
• Use transit for essential travel only.

Beginning Monday, June 1, Swift riders will be able to pay for rides at Swift stations with an ORCA fare card or by using cash or credit card at the ticket vending machines. Ticket vending machines and ORCA readers will be disinfected regularly and ORCA cards are available for purchase online.

Community Transit offers a reduced bus fare for income-eligible riders through the ORCA LIFT program. People receiving benefits from the State of Washington, including food, medical, and/or cash benefits, have the option to apply online for the ORCA LIFT program.

More information on the ORCA LIFT program is available here.

Community Transit Service Ambassadors will be available at various Swift stations beginning June 1 to answer questions and assist riders.