INIT rolls out open payments on Seattle’s ORCA fare system

Ready for global football tournament

(© Paulina Parker)

Karlsruhe/Germany, Seattle/USA – 25 March 2026

INIT, in partnership with Seattle public transport provider Sound Transit, has successfully launched open payments on the ORCA regional fare system. This landmark event empowers passengers across seven public transport companies in the Puget Sound region  to pay for their rides using a contactless credit or debit card or mobile wallet.

Easy ticketing for football fans thanks to contactless payments

Contactless payment options now include Mastercard, Discover Network, Visa or American Express cards, as well as Apple Pay™, Google Pay™ and Samsung Pay™ in mobile wallets. The newly implemented feature will have a significant impact on the region’s ability to manage rising demand as Seattle prepares to host an estimated 750,000 fans during the upcoming global football tournament. ORCA (One Regional Card for All) is one of multiple INIT ticketing systems being launched in the 2026 football host cities including Houston and Atlanta. 

“Open payments reduce barriers and make transit the easy choice for everyday riders and visitors alike,” Chris McKnight, ORCA Director said. “By partnering with INIT, people can now ride with the cards and devices they already carry.” 

ORCA: Continuous success story

Public transport passenger numbers in the Seattle region continue to expand, and ORCA has played a key role in that momentum. Since its original implementation as a closed-loop system, the system has recorded major milestones, including 82 million ORCA card taps at its one-year anniversary. Today, 79% of fares are paid using ORCA, underscoring the system’s widespread adoption and ease of use. 

Modern ticketing technology in use at seven regional public transport companies

ORCA supports travel across buses, ferries, and light rail for seven regional partner agencies: Sound Transit, King County Metro, Community Transit, Everett Transit, Kitsap Transit, Washington State Ferries and Pierce Transit. As service expands with more buses, light rail extensions, and improved ferry connections, INIT’s fare technology ensures the Puget Sound public transport network is ready to meet rising demand while putting passengers first – now and in the years ahead. 

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Pictures, video or graphics published with the press release may only be used in direct connection with the publication of the press release and only if the source is acknowledged as indicated.

In Sound Transit’s light rail vehicles as well as in various companies’ buses and ferries, passengers can now pay easily with their contactless credit or debit cards or mobile wallets. ©Paulina Parker

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Andrea Mohr-Braun

Head of Department Corporate Marketing
INIT worldwide
Phone: +49 721 6100 113
Fax: +49 721 6100 399

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