Puget Sound agencies debut regional transit pass; Sound Transit to advance ballot measure

Puget Sound regional transit agencies in Washington yesterday announced an $8 regional day pass for the One Regional Card for All (ORCA) smart card.

The pass is valid for unlimited rides on transit services with fares up to $3.50. Senior riders and those with disabilities can purchase a $4 regional day pass, which is good for unlimited rides on services costing up to $1.75.

The new day passes are designed to simplify public transit for tourists and visitors, Sound Transit officials said in a press release.

The passes will be accepted on light-rail, commuter-rail, streetcar, bus and foot ferry services operated by King County Metro, Sound Transit and other local transit agencies.

Meanwhile, Sound Transit officials announced yesterday they will move forward with sending a transportation ballot measure to regional voters in November 2016. Known as "Sound Transit 3," the measure now can proceed following the Washington State Legislature's adoption of a transportation package granting full revenue authority, Sound Transit officials said.

The ballot measure is aimed at expanding light-rail into King, Snohomish and Pierce counties.

"Expanding high-capacity transit services is the best way to dramatically expand the capacity of the region's most congested corridors and to channel growth around vibrant transit hubs where people will rely less on cars and move easily between trains and buses," agency officials said.

Sound Transit is still seeking input on which projects should be studied as final candidates for the measure.