Strong communities are vital because they bring social connection and a sense of belonging. Sound Transit is changing the way we provide customer service to help foster and grow stronger communities. We want you to be part of that change.
In 2020, our Board decided to replace fare enforcement officers with ambassadors who will help bring belongingness back to communities. This will include conducting fare inspections, providing education and focusing on ways to reduce fare evasion.
Fare ambassadors are Sound Transit staff members rather than contractor employees – which means, we’re hiring!
Check out the job description to learn more and apply:
What does a fare ambassador do?
The purpose of this position is to provide exemplary customer service to our passengers, to aid in building stronger communities.
Fare ambassadors will not only check fares, they will also:
- Answer questions about Sound Transit service.
- Provide assistance with wayfinding, helping passengers get to their desired destinations.
- Encourage income-eligible riders to sign up for ORCA LIFT and subsidized annual passes to expand community assistance with affordable fares and transit accessibility.
They will wear new uniforms and receive enhanced training on interacting with passengers and avoiding bias.
To apply, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent and have experience in customer care or community outreach. We’re also looking for candidates who are bilingual (Spanish, ASL, or other).
We can offer flexible shift schedules to allow you to maintain work/life balance, and opportunities for career advancement.
These roles are benefits eligible, which means fare ambassadors will receive medical, dental and vision insurance, as well as paid time off.
Must be flexible to work 8-10 hour shifts between the hours of 4:30 a.m.-1 a.m., Mon-Sun. Daily work starts at Union Station: 401 S. Jackson St, Seattle, WA 98104. No remote work is available for this role.
More on the fare engagement pilot
As part of our new vision for fares, the agency developed a Fare Enforcement Action Plan that outlines multiple steps, including:
- Expanding communications and public education about how to access and use ORCA cards.
- Developing a youth-focused fare engagement program.
- Defining parameters to suspend citations and warnings during extreme weather.
- Adding new signage clearly marking fare-paid areas.
- Exploring options for resolving citations outside the court system.
Editor's note: This story has been updated from the version that was published on June 17, 2021.