@theorcacard

ORCA manages fare collection technology across seven Puget Sound transit agencies, including Sound Transit, King County Metro, and Washington State Ferries, through an integrated contactless payment system. The regional transit payment network spans multiple counties in Washington state, processing transactions through standardized tap-to-pay readers at stations and on vehicles. ORCA's infrastructure connects Community Transit, Pierce Transit, Kitsap Transit, and Everett Transit under a unified payment protocol. The system's 2023 upgrade enabled direct payment via contactless credit cards, debit cards, and mobile wallets at transit readers throughout the network. Riders can now complete single-trip transactions without pre-registering accounts or obtaining physical ORCA cards. The modernized platform processes payments through Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and major card networks at point of service. ORCA's technical documentation covers card acquisition, value loading procedures, and integration with digital payment services. The system architecture supports both stored-value cards and pay-per-ride functionality across all participating agencies. Security protocols and payment processing standards ensure consistent operation throughout the Puget Sound transportation network.