ORCA users get free 2-hour transfer

Oct. 31 is the last day Kitsap Transit will issue paper bus or ferry transfers to riders who pay their fare with cash. Starting Nov. 1, cash riders will need to pay a fare on each bus or ferry they ride.

To ensure riders don’t lose their transfer privileges, Kitsap Transit suggests they get an ORCA card. ORCA card users who pay their regular or reduced fare from ORCA E-purse get a free 2-hour transfer. ORCA transfers are good in any direction of travel at any location. Transfers are free between Kitsap Transit vehicles. When transferring to a Pierce, Metro, Community, Sound or Everett Transit vehicle within 2 hours, riders will be given credit for the fare already paid.

ORCA cards are loaded with a minimum of $5 cash transportation value into the E-purse on the card. When a rider taps the card on the reader on the bus or foot ferry, the correct fare is deducted and the readers on other Kitsap Transit vehicles recognize a free transfer for two hours. Value can be added to the E-purse as often as one likes, but value added online or by phone will not be available for about 24 hours. E-purse value added in person at the Customer Service Office is available for use immediately.

Riders who qualify for Reduced Fare must get their ORCA card at Kitsap Transit’s customer service office. Once they have a card they can load passes or E-purse online, by phone, through the mail or at a Customer Service Office. Adult cards can be issued at the Customer Service Office, online, by phone at (888) 988-6722 or by mail. The fee for the card has been waived through Jan. 31.