Transit riders can add value to their ORCA cards at two area Safeway stores, 300 Bellevue Way, Bellevue; and 6911 Coal Creek Parkway, Newcastle.

ORCA, One Regional Card for All, is the electronic fare system for seven transportation agencies in the Puget Sound region. Customers can load pre-paid fare value, called E-purse, or a period pass like a monthly transit pass, and use their ORCA card on buses and trains throughout King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish counties, on Washington State Ferries and on the West Seattle and Vashon Island water taxis. On some systems, ORCA is the only way to get a free transfer.

An advantage to using a retail outlet to reload the card is that a rider can use the value on his or her ORCA card right after walking out of the store. Adding value online or by phone takes 24 to 48 hours to process.

Updated listings of participating retailers will be posted at www.orcacard.com.