Organizations that serve homeless and/or low-income populations are encouraged to apply for subsidized transit tickets for their clients.
Through the Human Services Bus Ticket Program (HSBTP), 90 percent of ticket value is subsidized by the King County Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) and King County Metro. The service organization pays 10 percent. Tickets can be used for bus and light rail, and up to $176,130 in face value (up to $17,613 in allotment value) is available.
To learn more and to apply, go to “RFP for 2021 Human Services Bus Ticket Program.” The spring 2021 deadline for technical assistance is April 21, and the request for proposals closes on April 23.
This RFP process is supplemental to the Fall 2020 RFP in which $4,444,440 in face value of tickets was made available. Organizations that were awarded through the Fall 2020 RFP for 2021 are not eligible to apply for this Spring 2021 RFP.
Please note that this information is posted on Metro Matters only to raise awareness of the program and may not be accurate or up-to-date. Please refer instead to the aforementioned Request for Proposals webpage or email the Human Services Bus Ticket Program.
Metro believes mobility is a human right and that the ability to pay a fare should not be a barrier. Individuals and families can learn about our discounted fares for customers with disabilities, customers with lower-incomes, seniors, and youth at “What Fare is Right for You?” You can also use our Eligibility Tool to find the best fare for you, and our Reduced Fare Portal to enroll.
Most transit agencies employ largely flat fare systems, which charge the same technology, eliminating fares altogether, or providing group fares or other discounts. The dependency on the car may be related to the low level of public transit.