Beginning Thursday, public-transportation riders will no longer be able to load their current ORCA cards at Safeway or Albertsons.

According to ORCA, the classic blue and Regional Reduced Fare Permit (RRFP) cards will need to either be replaced or loaded elsewhere.

ORCA's newly-designed card — launched in part to expand where ORCA cards can be sold and reloaded — costs $3 for adults. Safeway and Albertsons will be able to reload new cards beginning in December.

"The new card, which has a barcode on the back, allows us to include more communities and locally owned businesses across the Puget Sound region into the ORCA retail network," ORCA said online. "In other words, more accessible places for our riders to purchase ORCA cards and reload value."

ORCA card locations | Click here to find a location near you

ORCA's website and app now load funds instantly.

Monthly passes don't transfer between cards, so riders are urged to use all of the funds before switching, ORCA said.

Riders with a LIFT or senior/disabled RRFP card who rely solely on Safeway or Albertsons to reload their cards can receive a free replacement card.

Employer-provided ORCA cards will continue to work, ORCA said, and employers will let employees know when they want to transfer to the new cards.