Ride for less with ORCA LIFT


What do you know about ORCA LIFT? My hope is that you’ve already heard of this program, and if you’re eligible, you already have your LIFT card! But – in case not – the ORCA LIFT program is a new reduced fare initiative, created by King County Metro. This means, that if your income falls within the 200% of the federal poverty level you are likely eligible for this card.

ORCA LIFT’s reduced fare of $1.50 per ride (or $54 for the PugetPass which provides you with monthly unlimited rides) works on all Metro buses, the light rail, Kitsap Transit, the water taxi to West Seattle, and the Seattle Streetcar. Sound Transit and Community Transit buses are not participating in LIFT – so the reduced fare does not apply on these bus lines and you have to pay full bus fare. But you can tap the LIFT card and apply the $1.50 LIFT fare towards the full bus fare, and then pay the additional $1.25 to pay the full fare to ride.

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If you already have a senior card or a disabled card – don’t worry! The card you already have is a better deal – only $1.00 and less than what you’d pay with the ORCA LIFT card.

Not sure if you’re eligible? Here is the income breakdown, by household size:

  • For one person (with no dependents), you’re income eligible if you make $23,540 or less;
  • For a household of two, the maximum income to qualify is $31,860;
  • For a household of three, the maximum income to qualify is $40,180;
  • For a household of four, the maximum income to qualify is $48,500; and so on.

OrcaLiftCardStill not sure if you qualify? Give us a call. Here’s my phone number: 206.461.4494 and here is ORCA LIFT Project Coordinator Natalia Arredondo’s phone number: 206.461.4482.

Prefer to do a little research online? Read about ORCA LIFT on Metro’s website here.

Want to sign up for a LIFT card?

We have community drop-in hours in downtown Seattle, White Center and Redmond. Please bring your government-issued ID and proof of income (30 days of paystubs, award letter from DSHS or the unemployment office, or your ProviderOne card). If you have questions about what to bring, please call Natalia at 206.461.4482.

YWCA Opportunity Place (2024 Third Avenue, Seattle, WA 98121)

  • Mondays 10am-noon
  • Tuesdays 11:30am-1:30pm
  • Thursdays 10am-noon

YWCA Greenbridge (9720 8th Avenue SW, Seattle, WA 98106)

  • Tuesdays 1pm-4pm
  • Thursdays 1pm-4pm

YWCA Family Village Redmond (16601 NE 80th Street, Redmond, WA 98052)

  • Mondays 9:30am-4pm (closed for lunch noon-1pm)
  • Wednesdays 9:30am-4pm (closed for lunch noon-1pm)
  • Thursdays 1pm-4pm
  • Fridays 9:30am-4pm (closed for lunch noon-1pm)

Maybe none of our locations work for you. If that’s the case – check out drop-in locations at other organizations.

Sustainability – the gift that keeps on giving!


The holidays are among us, and many of us are preparing to celebrate Christmas, Kwanzaa, or Hanukkah! If your celebration includes gifts – this year, consider the impact your gifts can make on sustaining the Earth and sustaining the health of your loved ones.

In our work at the YWCA, we see connections everyday between women’s health and the health of our environment. Pollution clogs the air and impacts our respiratory health. Exposure to BPA in our plastics has been linked to greater risk for miscarriages, breast cancer, and cardiovascular disease. And commuting long distances to get from home to work, and back again, causes greater air pollution and impacts our blood pressure. We spend a lot of time thinking about how to promote women’s health while also promoting environmental health and sustainability. Consider combining sustainability and women’s health with your gift giving this year!

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Here are a few ways to support sustainability – and work on that shopping list!

Donate personal and hygienic items to organizations serving those in need. These items have the potential to assist others live longer happier lives! Gift Ideas: Donate blood, platelets, or bone marrow. Donate toiletries, clothing, and diapers.

Organize a community garden. Eating produce from community gardens not only saves money, but it builds relationships and nourishes the body.  Gift Ideas:  Seeds, soil, composting materials, and tools.

Start a neighborhood recycling program. One man’s (or woman’s) trash is another man’s treasure. Gift Ideas: Books, clothes, DVDs, bicycles, toys, and board games.

Use public transportation. Cut down on fossil fuel emission, car accidents, and traffic congestion. Gift Ideas: Bus passes, taxi vouchers, limousine service gift cards

Go for a walk! Burn some calories, get your heart rate up, and build some muscles! Gift Ideas: Walking shoes, exercise clothing, and a sports water bottle.

Volunteer your time. Getting involved in community work keeps you connected and furthers the cause! Service Ideas: Volunteer at the YWCA! Or, contact United Way to find out what volunteer needs there are in our community.

Financial Investment. Taking an active role in your financial future educates you and your loved ones on financial health. Gift Ideas: Stocks, trusts, updating your will, and cash gifts. Or – make an appointment with a financial adviser or take a financial education class!

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Sustaining our resources is good stewardship. It has the potential to transform the health of individuals. This holiday season, think about ways to invest in the Earth and in your health!