By Jennifer Calleja, SHA’s Transportation Program Manager
Seattle Housing Authority partnered with the Seattle Department of Transportation to offer every resident living in SHA owned and managed properties free and unlimited ORCA transit cards. SDOT contributes $2.25 million per year and SHA staffs the program through outreach and logistics. Free transportation is a connection to healthcare, groceries, education, jobs and community.
The SHA Transit Pass program began in 2019 as a pilot program on a smaller scale. The pilot was very successful and expanded to its current iteration, where every resident in an SHA-owned and managed property can get a free-unlimited ORCA card, valid until the end of December 2026.
In 2020, 80 percent of Seattle voters approved of the 2021-2026 Transit Benefit Measure that funds SHA’s Transit Pass Program today. The program's impact, combined with the fact that participants are automatically pre-qualified by living in SHA-owned and managed properties, provided strong evidence for SDOT to formalize the partnership as a core Transit Access Program.
The program currently has 6,700 active cards in 100 SHA-owned and managed properties. SDOT reported that in 2024, program participants took 1,256,261 rides (estimated $2.1M per year).
“For people already managing tight budgets, getting to work, school, medical care and the grocery store can be an incredible burden,” said SHA Executive Director Rod Brandon. “Partnering with Seattle Department of Transportation to provide transit passes to Seattle Housing Authority residents truly makes a difference in the lives of our residents. Since the program began, more than 6,000 SHA residents have been able to travel more freely. The Transit Pass program is a powerful investment in our communities, making it easier for people to work, live and thrive in Seattle.”
SHA’s Asset Management Director Bobby Coleman led the ORCA Opportunity Pilot, with SHA's SW&F Operations Manager Daniela Vega carrying out the Transit Pass expansion; SHA's Transportation Manager Jenniffer Calleja and SHA 's Transportation Assistant Lyly Nguyen currently run the project.
For more information visit ORCA Cards for Seattle Housing Authority Tenants. SHA residents who have questions call 206.615.3551or email transitpass@seattlehousing.org.