New pilot program aims to reduce transportation barriers  

A new partnership between Renton Technical College and King County Metro will provide students with free ORCA transit passes. A pilot program aims to remove transportation barriers so students can get to class and stay in college.  

“We are doing all we can to dismantle barriers for students, especially those from historically underrepresented groups,” RTC President Yoshiko Harden said. “Barriers like access to transportation often mean students must sacrifice their education. We’re grateful to partner with King County to launch this pilot program to help keep students in school and achieving their goals.” 

Student Benefit Navigators Naimo Yusef and Elsa Alvarado distribute the cards through the Ravens NEST in the C Building.  

“We’ve had many students come to us asking for ORCA cards in the past year, so having this resource available is incredible,” Naimo said. “It will help us assist students with the basic need of transportation.” 

How to Apply 

RTC students can review the eligibility requirements and register through the RTC Student ORCA Card Transit Pass Program form. 

Enrollment at RTC does not automatically qualify students for the program. Eligibility is determined by the pilot program's requirements. Eligible students will receive instructions on when and where to pick up their ORCA cards at Ravens Nest. 

Students do not need to reapply each quarter. Their transit benefit will remain active during quarters when they are enrolled and meet the eligibility requirements. If students take a quarter off, the benefit will be suspended and will resume when they return and meet the program's requirements. 

Need Help? 

Students who have questions or need assistance completing the registration form can visit Ravens Nest in Building C, room C-104. RTC's Benefits navigators are available to help with the application process.