Reduced fares became available for low-income riders who sign up through DSHS
CORRECTION
The print version of this story misstated Route 70’s operator as Community Transit. It is an Everett Transit route.
EVERETT — Community Transit and Everett Transit is now offering a low-income fare for eligible riders.
Meanwhile, regular fares on Everett Transit increased July 1. The fare increases were decided a year ago, before talks of a low-income fare made serious headway.
The new Everett Transit fares are: $2 for adults and $1.50 for youth riders. These are up from $1.50 for adults and $1 for youth.
Senior fares stay at 50 cents.
The increases come after January’s fare increases.
The low-income fare is with the ORCA LIFT card. People can get this card in Snohomish County by dropping in to one of four state Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) customer service offices. The offices are in Arlington, Everett, Lynnwood, and Monroe.
The low-income fare on Everett Transit is $1.50 for local rides. Everett Transit’s commuter Route 70 fares are the same as Community Transit’s local service fare prices.
Riders who already have an ORCA LIFT card already get the lowered fare.
Low-income people can’t pay in cash and expect the reduced fare because the card is used for identification.
How to get the lower fare
People with household income of less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level qualify for ORCA LIFT.
People can visit a DSHS offices from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. to apply for a card. You will need to bring income and identity documents for an in-person review to determine eligibility. Eligibility verification must be done in person.
Community Transit and Everett Transit are partnering with DSHS to enroll and distribute ORCA LIFT cards at the Snohomish County DSHS offices.
