Whitman Middle School

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Whitman Middle School/Resources/Transportation

Transportation

Announcements

ORCA Card Information
Ordering/Register Instructions

SPS will no longer be managing the day to day tasks for ORCA cards. Metro will be handling all youth ORCA cards requests.  

All youth will be able to ride transit for free in Seattle starting on 9/1/22. Students who are under the age of 13 are Not required to have a physical ORCA card, however students who are 13 and older Will Be required to present and tap a card when riding public transportation. 

  • If you have an ORCA Card:
    • Students who kept their ORCA cards from the School Year 21-22 will be able to use it for the 22-23 school year. These ORCA cards will continue working through June 30, 2023, even if there is an expiration date of 8/31/2022 printed on the back. Ignore the expiration date but you must register your card. 
    • Keep this card and register it at myorca.com. Students need to register their cards for the cards to work beyond June 30, 2023.
  • If you don’t have an ORCA Card:
    • Students who are 13 and older or have misplaced their ORCA card from last year or are new to Seattle Public Schools, follow the instructions below to get a new ORCA card. 
      • Replacement Cards & New Students can request a card from myorca.com. Select the Sign In/Sign Up Tab at the top of the page and log into your account or create a new one. Language preference options are available at the top as well.
      • Metro will mail a card to your home
    • While waiting for the arrival of the card from Metro, a student may 
      • Show a Student ID to Metro operators (last years will work) when riding or,
      • If a student does not have a Student ID, they may simply just board public transportation without anything. Students will not be denied ridership from the operators.

Problems? Call the ORCA Regional Call Center at 1-888-988-6722 / TTY Relay: 771. Non-English: 1-800-823-9230 during regular business hours M-F from 8am-5pm PST (closed weekends and holidays).

Walk, Bike, and Roll to School

Why walk, bike, and roll?

  • For our earth! Transportation is Seattle’s largest source of climate emissions.
    • When we drive less, emissions go down in a big way.
  • For your health! Students who walk and bike get exercise built into their daily routine. 
  • For your school! School pick-up and drop-off can be hectic with lots of idling cars in the same space.
    • Walking, biking, and rolling reduces that congestion around schools and makes the air cleaner to breathe.
  • For fun! Walking, biking, and rolling on your own or with friends can connect neighbors to each other, and it’s just a fun way to be outside and part of the neighborhood.

Check out the new district Walk, Bike, and Roll to School information page!

Walk, Bike, and Roll to School

District Updates

SPS Transportation

Seattle Public Schools provides free transportation for students who live within their school attendance area but outside the school’s walk zone.

If a student is placed in a program, such as deaf and hard of hearing services, that is not available in your neighborhood (attendance) area school, transportation is usually provided. 

Transportation Eligibility Guidelines

  • Elementary and K-8 schools have a 1-mile walk boundary. Eligible students are provided service primarily on yellow school buses.
  • Middle schools have a 2-mile walk boundary. Service is either by yellow school bus or ORCA card for the Metro.
  • High schools have a 2-mile walk boundary. Service is provided with an ORCA card.

Use our school attendance and option school transportation area maps to see if your child is eligible for transportation.

Safe Routes to School

Biking and walking are great ways to get to school. Use the City of Seattle interactive map to find safe walking and biking routes to your school.

Walk, Bike, and Roll to School

Walking, biking, and rolling to school supports exercise, reduces pollution, and connects neighbors. Studies even show students arrive at school more attentive and ready to learn. Visit this page for resources to support you in walking, biking, and rolling to school.

Delayed Bus

Bus routes are sometimes delayed due to traffic, weather, construction, or other situations.

If your bus is late, we recommend your student stay at the bus stop. Please create a plan and discuss with your student what to do if their bus is late.

View today’s bus routes that are reported as running at least 15 minutes late.