Civic Coffee Recap: Transportation Options

In November, Age Friendly Seattle hosted its monthly Civic Coffee event to discuss and highlight transportation options for older adults in Seattle and the greater King County area. The event featured an engaging panel discussion with ‘Ohu Kane, South King County Mobility Coordinator at Hopelink, and Lilliya Shiktel, Transportation Access Program Coordinator for the City of Seattle. The panel was moderated by Sandy Phan, Community Transportation Navigators Program Manager at Hopelink. Here are some of the highlights:

Medical Transportation with Hopelink

Hopelink offers a range of transportation programs designed to ensure mobility for individuals in need, including Non-emergency Medical Transportation (NEWT). To qualify, participants must have Medicaid and complete an eligibility assessment to determine the level of service they can access. If a person is unable to use public transit, Hopelink provides door-to-door transportation. For those who drive, gas reimbursement may be available, while individuals who can utilize public transit may receive an ORCA card preloaded with funds for their trips. Interpretation services are also available over the phone, though wait times may vary by language.

Click on the image above to watch a video recording of the Civic Coffee on Transportation (YouTube, 40:45).

ORCA Card Programs

Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) provides reduced fair ORCA card programs serving specific populations:

Regional Reduced Fare Program (RRFP): Available to individuals aged 65 and older, this program allows seniors to take the bus, Link light rail, streetcars, and other King County public transportation options for just $1 per trip. To apply, participants must provide a government-issued ID (such as an expired driver’s license, state ID, or birth certificate) that includes their name and date of birth. It’s a fantastic program that helps older adults travel affordably throughout all of King County.

Seattle Housing Authority (SHA) Residents: Residents of properties owned or managed by SHA are eligible for a free unlimited ORCA card through 2026. This program is open to all household members over the age of 18, with applications available online. If you need assistance filling out the application, call or text (206) 615-3551 or email TransitPass@seattlehousing.org. If you are an SHA resident, signing up for this program is a great way to access free public transportation across King County.

Additional Transportation Options for Older Adults

HYDE Shuttle: The HYDE Shuttle program provides free, door-to-door van service for individuals aged 55+ and adults with disabilities in many neighborhoods throughout King County. Friendly, specially trained drivers transport riders to local destinations such as hot meal programs, medical appointments, senior centers, grocery stores, and more. For those who have difficulty getting around, the HYDE Shuttle offers a valuable opportunity to socialize and stay active within their communities. Trips must be within the same zip code and can be booked in advance online or over the phone, with language support available.

Metro Flex: Metro Flex is a neighborhood shuttle providing on-demand, door-to-door service for individuals with an ORCA card. Rides must remain within the same neighborhood and rides are priced the same as other modes of transit. Trips can be scheduled via the Metro Flex mobile app during operating hours, making it a flexible and convenient option for local travel.

More Hopelink Programs

Getting Around Puget Sound (GAPS): This program helps King County residents explore a variety of travel options to enhance regional mobility and regain transportation independence. Hopelink staff, along with GAPS volunteers, offer personalized transportation assistance at community centers, libraries, and other local gathering spots. To invite the team to your resource fair or community event, you can email Mobility@hopelink.org or call (425)-943-6760.

Public Transit Orientation (PTO): Hopelink’s Mobility Education & Outreach team offers excursions for small groups unfamiliar with the Puget Sound transportation system. These guided trips help participants build independence and confidence using public transportation, with destinations including cultural and educational sites, service locations, or outdoor events. The program includes pre-trip instruction, and all bus or transit fares are covered.

For more information or to schedule an excursion for your group, email Mobility@hopelink.org or call (425)-943-6760.

Thank you again to ‘Ohu Kane, Lilliya Shitkel, and Sandy Phan for discussing and highlighting the wide range of transportation options available to older adults in King County. From affordable ORCA card programs to personalized mobility education, these resources empower older adults to travel independently and stay connected with their communities.

Hopelink is a nonprofit organization that serves King and parts of Snohomish County, dedicated to helping individuals and families achieve stability and self-sufficiency. They offer a range of services, including food assistance, housing support, energy assistance, adult education, financial support and transportation programs. ’Ohu and Sandy’s expertise is in mobility management under the transportation department. They focus on advocacy, outreach, and education of transportation resources for vulnerable communities.

Contributor Meg Estep Woolf is coordinating Age Friendly Seattle’s business initiative.