Commuters in Seattle who rely on the iconic Monorail for their daily travels are about to see an uptick in fares starting January 1, 2025. As reported by the Seattle Center Spotlight, the impending fare hike is part of an ongoing agreement with the Monorail's private operators, aimed at maintaining the historic system amid inflating costs.
Tickets, available for purchase online or at ticket vending machines at both Seattle Center and Westlake Monorail Stations, will increase by 50 cents for adult one-way fares, rising from $3.50 to $4.00. Youth fares will also increase from $1.75 to $2.00, and the reduced rate for seniors 65+, the disabled, and active-duty U.S. military personnel will similarly rise to $2.00. Since 2019, the Monorail has accepted various payment options, including the ORCA card, and continues to offer a 50% discount to income-eligible residents through the ORCA LIFT Program.
For those who prefer the ease of a monthly pass, the price adjustments are equally tangible. An adult monthly pass will escalate from $70 to $80, while its reduced rate counterpart will adjust from $35 to $40. Public commentary on these proposed changes is open until October 21, 2024, through email communication with Valancy Blackwell at [email protected].
Reflecting on the Monorail's value, it not only poses as a historic artifact from the 1962 Seattle World's Fair, but also as an exemplar of a functioning public-private venture. Owned by the City of Seattle but managed by Seattle Monorail Services, SMS, since 1994 – it stands as one of the rare transit systems not financially burdensome on taxpayers, instead funneling ticket sale revenue back into the city's coffers. According to the Seattle Center Spotlight, "The City’s share of the net operating income is used to help underwrite public programming and administrative costs at Seattle Center."
With its trains departing roughly every 10 minutes, and even more frequently during peak times, the Monorail serves as a rapid conduit between downtown Seattle and Seattle Center. Housing the Climate Pledge Arena and various cultural, educational, and entertainment bodies, the Seattle Center is itself a pulsating heart in the region's body – a detail that further underscores the significance of this elevated transit system for both city dwellers and visitors.
