This is a guest post by our star volunteer Alison Turner

We are bringing back our 100 Ways to Live Car-Free blog series. Ever wondered what life could look like without a car? How we get around has a huge impact on our lives. Whether it is getting to work, or to school, or the doctor or even to get groceries, it’s hard to imagine our lives without cars. But it’s not as daunting as it seems.

In this series, we will share tips and insights while exploring the freedoms and frustrations of being car-less. Ditching your car can be fun, efficient, and healthy, and we hope to share fun tips and ideas that will make it easier for you to get around while enjoying life. This is the first in our series:

TIP #1: BUY AN ORCA CARD

An ORCA card is your passport to the world of transit in the Puget Sound region. You can get a card for $5 or less and use it to ride the bus, ferry, rail or train, all over the Puget Sound region. There are reduced-fare ORCA cards available for youth, seniors, and people with disabilities, and a low-income fare will be available next year. Your card can be loaded with a monthly pass or e-purse, or a combination of the two.

Instead of fumbling for exact change, just tap the card on the reader when you get on the bus, and never hassle with a transfer again. You will automatically get a two-hour transfer that credits the fare you’ve already paid when you transfer to another bus.

When you add value to your e-purse online, the value will be added to your card the next time you tap it. (If the card is not initially tapped within 60 days of the value being added online or by phone, the system “expires” it and you’ll have to contact customer service to retrieve it.) If you haven’t already, make sure to register your card to protect your balance.