Cash on the Light Rail? Don't Get Left at the Station!
Let's face it, Seattle's Link light rail is pretty swanky. It whisks you around town faster than a seagull with a french fry, but what if you're a cash connoisseur? Do you have to resort to begging strangers for their ORCA card leftovers?
Fear not, fellow friend of folding money! While Seattle may be embracing the digital age, you can still ride the rails with that sweet, sweet paper in your pocket.
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| Can I Pay Cash For Light Rail Seattle |
The Lowdown on Cash and the Light Rail
Here's the scoop: you can absolutely use cash to pay for a ride on the Link light rail. However, there's a little twist...it's not like catching the bus where you just hand the driver a fiver.
Here's the real deal:
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- Ticket to Ride: You gotta buy a ticket from the friendly neighborhood vending machine at the station. These machines are cash-operated, so you can feed them your bills and get a paper ticket in return. Easy peasy!
- Exact Change Only, Please! These machines aren't like fancy ATMs, they don't make change. So make sure you have the correct amount for your fare (fares vary depending on distance) or you might end up short circuiting the system (with awkward stares, not actual sparks).
Pro Tip: If you're a frequent rider, consider getting an ORCA card. It's a reloadable card that lets you tap and go, saving you time and the drama of digging for exact change. Plus, you might score some sweet discounts!
But Wait, There's More! (Because Let's Be Honest, Cash Isn't for Everyone)
Maybe you're philosophically opposed to paper tickets, or perhaps your pockets are filled with nothing but receipts and lint. No worries, my friend! You have options:
- Plastic Fantastic: The ticket machines also accept credit and debit cards, so you can swipe your way to a ride.
- Appy Days: Feeling tech-savvy? Download the Transit GO Ticket app, buy your ticket beforehand, and flash it on your phone at the station.
Frequently Asked Questions (Because We Know You Have Them)
How much does a Link light rail ticket cost?
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Fares depend on how far you're traveling, but you can find the current rates on the Sound Transit website
Can I use cash on the bus too?
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Nope! Seattle buses are currently card-only.
Tip: Absorb, don’t just glance.
What if I don't have cash or a card?
Well, that wouldn't be ideal. Maybe hit up a friend for a loan or channel your inner busker and serenade your fellow passengers for some change? (Just kidding...mostly.)
Is there a discount for using an ORCA card?
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Yup! You can score a discount on fares and free transfers between Link light rail and Metro buses.
How do I get an ORCA card?
You can buy one at a Link light rail station ticket machine or many retail locations. Check the Sound Transit website for details
So there you have it! The next time you're feeling a need for speed (Seattle-style), you can hop on the Link light rail, cash or card in hand. Just remember, with cash, it's gotta be exact change, unless you want to be the one left with a funny story and no ride.
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