King County Metro and other Puget Sound transit agencies are encouraging more young people to take advantage of free youth transit. All youth aged 18 and younger can ride for free in Washington.
A regional advertising campaign—called “Go all the places. Do all the things.”—launched on Monday, with the support of eight transit agency partners. The coordinated, multilingual effort includes audio and video advertising, branded swag, events, onboard announcements, online influencers, print materials and social media.
Reaching youth—and their parents
The campaign and the outreach strategy were developed in concert with teenage youth and their parents or guardians. Particularly important audiences are youth of color and youth from households with lower incomes.
For young people across King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish counties, transit offers free and easy connections to activities, family, friends, jobs and school. While many youth already take transit to class, introducing other destinations provides increased independence while freeing up their parents’ time.
Promoting Youth ORCA cards
Building off of a fall 2022 campaign featuring Rain City Rock Camp, “Go all the places. Do all the things.” amplifies youth voices and raises excitement about free youth transit. When young people head to FreeYouthTransitPass.com, they will also learn how to get a Youth ORCA card.
Riders aged 13 and older are encouraged to bring one of the following when they ride, if they have it.
(1) Youth ORCA Card
- Please “tap” your card when you board. On Sound Transit Link light rail and Sounder train, please also “tap” when you exit.
- Visit myORCA.com/buy-online to order a new Youth ORCA card.
(2) Current High School or Middle School Student ID
- Show your student ID to the driver as you board or to any transit official upon request.
- Note: Student IDs alone are not valid for free travel on the Seattle Center Monorail. Visit FreeYouthTransitPass.com for details.
(3) Youth who do not have a Youth ORCA Card or Student ID can still ride for free on most services. Just get on board!
Campaign examples from “Go all the places. Do all the things.”
Advertising – Spotify
“Did you know transit is free for everyone 18 or younger around the Puget Sound? That’s right – teens can ride buses, light rail, streetcars, ferries and more for free. So, go all the places, do all the things! Learn more at FreeYouthTransitPass.com”
Advertising – Videos
“Youth ride free! What I love about free youth fares.”
“Youth ride free! Go all the places.”
“Youth ride free! What I love about transit.”
“Free Youth Transit Pass” featuring Rain City Rock Camp (Fall 2022)
Branded swag – ID holder, notebook, safety light
Events
| Event | Date | County |
|---|---|---|
| Gig Harbor Maritime Festival | June 3, 2023 | Pierce |
| Colman Ferry Dock | June 3, 2023 | King |
| Everett Sorticulture | June 10, 2023 | Snohomish |
| Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal | June 10, 2023 | King |
| Snohomish County Pride | June 11, 2023 | Snohomish |
| Marysville Strawberry Festival | June 17, 2023 | Snohomish |
| Puyallup Meeker Days | June 17, 2023 | Pierce |
| Hand in Hand Summer BBQ | June 17, 2023 | Snohomish |
| Fremont Fair | June 18, 2023 | King |
| Edmonds Ferry Terminal | June 24, 2023 | Snohomish |
| Tacoma Farmers Market | TBD | Pierce |
Onboard announcements – English and Spanish
“Youth 18 and younger can now ride Metro and other public transit for free. That’s right: youth ride free! If you’re a youth, you can tap your free Youth ORCA card, show your school ID or just get onboard. For more information, visit FreeYouthTransitPass.com”
Print materials
Social media – Point-of-view (POV) videos
“Today, I’m meeting with my friends for a pick-up game.” -Behran
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAUM8eZIWs8
“It’s a Saturday morning and I’m going shopping with a friend before work.” -Nanda
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sY5MdsWXKFc
Social media – Posts
Transit advertising – Featuring regional transit agencies
King County Metro
Community Transit
Everett Transit
Kitsap Transit
Pierce Transit
Seattle Streetcar
Sound Transit
Washington State Ferries
Relevant Links