The Platform

Your express stop for the latest Sound Transit news

ORCA

A graphic of a hand tapping an ORCA card on a card reader, with a Link train in the background.

New ORCA ticket system rollout continues with new card readers, ticket machines

By Scott Thompson

As many riders have noticed, crews continue installing new ORCA ticket vending machines (TVM) and card readers at stations t… Read more
A graphic of a hand tapping an ORCA card on a card reader, with a Link train in the background.

The next generation of ORCA is on the way

By Katie Metzger

With new light rail vehicles coming online and three new stations opening this fall, there’s a lot to be exci… Read more
Tap your ORCA card on and off when riding Link light rail or Sounder Commuter rail

Q: Why do I need to tap on and tap off my ORCA card?

By Matthew Johnson

Sound Transit asks riders to tap on and off of Link and Sounder trains so we know the correct fare to charge you or the… Read more

A rider taps his ORCA card at the reader at the Columbia City Link light rail platform

Why doesn't Link light rail use turnstiles?

By Bruce Gray

Much like we assume Peter Dinklage can't go to a dinner party without being asked about dragons and crossbows, one of the… Read more