ORCA Cards

The district is no longer managing ORCA Cards for students. Learn more about ORCA Cards. Due to a state wide measure, youth who are 18 and under, are able to ride public transportation for free. This means that the district no longer provides cards to SPS students. An ORCA card is encouraged but not required.

Request an ORCA Card

Students who do not have an ORCA card need to create an ORCA account and request a card on the My ORCA website. While students wait for their card, they may show their Student ID to a Metro operator or they may ride without one and will not be denied ridership.

Replacement ORCA Card

Students who have already signed up for an ORCA account can request a replacement card from the My ORCA website. Students who have not signed up for an ORCA account will need to set one up so that they can request a replacement card from the My ORCA website. While students wait for their card, they may show their Student ID to a Metro operator or they may ride without one and will not be denied ridership.

Questions? 

Call the ORCA Regional Call Center at 1-888-988-6722. Non-English: 1-800-823-9230 during regular business hours M – F from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. PST (closed weekends and holidays). Visit myorca.com for more information.

Taking the bus or light rail to school

Everyone 18 and under is free on all transit in the region (bus light rail, ferry, etc.). An Orca card is encouraged but not required.

• OneBusAway: download this app to know when your bus is coming (in real time).
• Use King County Trip Planner (webpage and app) to plan your bus route. 
• Google Maps can also help find the best option.
• Metro Flex is available in a few regions of the County. You can use an app or call a number for a Metro Flex van to pick you up and drop you off anywhere in the region – including school!

Sample Transit Routes and Tips from SPS

The D Line, 15, and 994 all stop adjacent to Ballard High School.  

Bus tip! Sometimes it’s quickest to walk, bike, or skate to the bus stop even if it’s more than a few blocks away. For example, a student in East Magnolia could walk to catch the D Line on 15th Ave W. In 8 minutes, the D Line would drop them off at school.

Visit the SPS ORCA Card and Public Transportation page for district updates and read more about the Free Youth Transit Pass on the King County website. 

Refer to the Ballard HS Transportation page for more information on Biking, Walking and Parking at school.