Seattle Center Monorail fare increases proposed

Seattle Center invites public comment on new Seattle Center Monorail rates that are proposed to go into effect on July 1 and Jan. 1, 2023. The proposed two-phase increase affects adult fares in 2023 and adult, youth, and reduced fares. 

The proposed two-phase fare increases are: 

Adult, ages 19-64, one-way, currently $3, increases to $3.25 one-way adult, effective July 1. Adult one-way fare increases to $3.50 one-way effective Jan. 1, 2023. Youth, ages 6-18, one-way, currently $1.50, increases to $1.75 one-way, effective Jan. 1, 2023. 

Reduced rate one-way, currently $1.50, increases to $1.75 one-way, effective Jan. 1, 2023. Adult monthly pass, non-ORCA, currently $60, increases to $65, effective July 1. Adult monthly pass, non-ORCA, increases to $70, effective Jan. 1, 2023. Reduced monthly pass, non-ORCA, currently $30, increases to $35, effective Jan. 1, 2023.

Fares are increasing to keep up with rising costs and our commitment to preserving this historic system. Passengers purchase monorail tickets using the ticket vending machines at both Seattle Center and Westlake Monorail Stations. Additionally, since 2019, passengers can use an ORCA card as fare payment on Seattle Center Monorail. Seattle Center Monorail offers a 50 percent discount on fares for income-eligible residents through the ORCA LIFT Program. Seattle Center Monorail also participates in the ORCA subsidized annual pass program which provides fully subsidized transportation for people who qualify. 

The public may comment on the proposed fare increases via email: denise.wells@seattle.gov or by phone, 206-615-0258, through June 27. 

Comments will also be accepted at a Public Meeting online via Webex at 4:30 p.m. June 22. Join at https://seattle.webex.com/seattle/j.php?MTID=m277b4b88ce436c3a58e55625456fb58c. Join by phone: +1-206-207-1700 United States Toll (Seattle), +1-408-418-9388 United States Toll.

Webinar number/Access Code: 2496 323 6006, Webinar password: MJgmDYJm243 (65463956 from phones) 

Built for the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair, Seattle Center Monorail travels directly between Seattle Center and Westlake Center. During normal operating service, the train departs approximately every 10 minutes, and during peak operating service, the trains depart approximately every 5 minutes.  Each train can carry up to 250 passengers per trip. The system has undergone significant renovations in the past 15 years to ensure its continued operation. Seattle Center Monorail is operated by a private concessionaire, Seattle Monorail Services, for the City of Seattle. For more information on the Monorail, visit www.seattlemonorail.com.