Can I use my credit card on the bus?

In Portland, yes. In Seattle and Vancouver, you generally need the regional transit card or the specific mobile transit app for that city.

Is it safe to ride at night?

Yes, but stick to well-lit main routes. Avoid empty train cars late at night and stay near the driver on buses.

Navigating Public Transit in the Pacific Northwest

Use the Transit app for real-time tracking across Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver, BC. Purchase a reloadable regional transit card (ORCA, Hop, or Compass) immediately upon arrival to avoid paying individual cash fares.

Get the right card. Do not pay cash on board. In Seattle, buy an ORCA card ($3). In Portland, use your contactless credit card or phone to tap the Hop Fastpass reader. In Vancouver, buy a Compass card ($6 deposit) at any SkyTrain station.
Download the Transit app. Unlike major East Coast cities, these transit systems are fragmented. The 'Transit' app aggregates light rail, streetcar, and bus data in real-time for all three major PNW cities.
Tap on and off. On commuter rails like Seattle's Sounder or Vancouver's SkyTrain, you must tap your card at the platform gates both when you enter and when you exit to ensure you are charged the correct distance-based fare.
Master the 'Last Mile'. PNW transit is excellent for hubs but spotty in suburbs. Use the bike-share programs (Lime in Seattle/Portland, Mobi in Vancouver) to cover the final 15 minutes of your trip from the station.

Can I use my credit card on the bus?: In Portland, yes. In Seattle and Vancouver, you generally need the regional transit card or the specific mobile transit app for that city.
Is it safe to ride at night?: Yes, but stick to well-lit main routes. Avoid empty train cars late at night and stay near the driver on buses.