ORCA card: Use it or lose it?

SEATTLE - The ORCA Card is supposed to make public transportation go swimmingly by having a single payment card for seven different regional transportation systems, from the ferry to the Sounder.

30,000 people a day just tap the card and go, we're told.

Delia Johnson thinks this program is a whale of a failure.

"There is something very wrong with the system and it's disapointing, because the train ride was great," said Delia.

She put $20 on her card for the occasional trip to Sea-Tac Airport. But when she tried to use the card, it wouldn't work.

"I tap my ORCA card on the machine like you're supposed to and it rings that it has no value," said Delia.

That's right. The folks at ORCA, who've done $4 million worth of business since April, froze Delia's $20 account. The reason is, she hadn't used the card for 30 days. That's the case for all 100,000 cards on the system.

You don't play, they won't pay.

"Why would you zero out a debit card value of cash of $20 when you've never used the card?" asks Delia.

To get answers, I talked to Linda Robson, the spokesperson for the ORCA system.

"ORCA cards are brand new to the region. We recognize there is a learning curve for both customers and for agencies," said Linda.

Linda says Delia's money isn't gone. It's just stuck in some type of computer limbo.

"After 30 days, we have to clear that system out in order to keep it from getting bogged for the whole ORCA system to come to a grinding halt," said Linda.

Now, to get your card back online, you'll have to put more money on it at a service station. You can call customer service or log onto the Web site and wait one to three business days for your account to be reactivated.

Linda: "If you call on a Friday, well you know, it might not be ready by Saturday morning." Jesse: "Or Sunday" Linda: "Exactly." Jesse: "Or Monday" Linda: "Exactly." Jesse: "Or Tuesday." Linda: "Right. We want to make sure you give yourself enough time."

Delia still isn't convinced

"They keep complaining about having a deficit and needed to cut bus service because they don't have enough money, but they have $20 of mine," said Delia.

I asked Linda some more questions.

Jesse: "Is it fair?" Linda: "It's not an issue of, I know you're asking..." Jesse: "I mean, is it right? I mean, I'm just saying you got my money I want to use it. I just don't think people should have to wait. That's it." Linda: "Right."

The people at ORCA say they are now working to improve the system so it will freeze accounts after 60 days, not 30.

But it might be too late for Delia.

"I would love to use ORCA more often, but you know frankly, I'm not sure I'm going to use my e-purse value again because it seems to be really unreliable," said Delia.

If you are frozen out, all you can do is pay for your ride. You can put cash on your card and use it right away, but you won't get to the money already in your account.

Your best bet is to call up and wait.

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