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OC Bus

College Fares

We can’t help with tuition or textbooks, but we can help you save on getting around. The OC Bus College fare gives you unlimited rides to campus, work, shopping, the beach, and more. Ride safely, cleanly, and conveniently throughout Orange County—and beyond.

Only 9 Credits to Qualify

College students enrolled in 9 or more credits per semester or quarter can ride for just $46 a month — that’s a 33% savings compared to the regular $69 monthly fare. Sound good? Apply today at octa.net/apply.

Once your application is approved, your discounted fare will be linked to the Wave card number you provide. You can also ride using the Wave Mobile App—the quick and easy way to plan trips, pay fares, and ride OC Bus. However you choose to ride, the College pass is the smart, affordable way to travel around Orange County.

Wave app icon  Wave Mobile App


Everything you need to plan, pay, and ride OC Bus is in one convenient app. Download the app and use your phone to ride.


About the App

Applying for a College Fare

To qualify, you must:

  • Be enrolled in 9 or more credits (or hours/units) per semester or quarter
  • Attend a participating college, university, or trade/technical school

Your reduced fare status is valid for the approved term, expiring on December 31 or June 30—whichever comes first. You must reapply each semester or quarter to maintain your college reduced fare status.

Note: If you are a student at one of the 9 Orange County Community Colleges, you do not need to apply for a college reduced fare status. To learn how to receive your Community College benefit, click here.

What to Know

  • You must create a Wave account to receive this benefit.
  • You’ll need to provide your name, address, birthdate and other information.
  • An eligible document showing your name, school, dates and units/hours is required.
  • A photo is required.
  • Applicants can apply online at octa.net/apply or in person at the OCTA Store.
    • Applicants applying in person may be issued their reduced fare status on the same day, depending on their application type.
  • Need to reapply every semester to maintain this benefit.
  • This cannot be used to ride Express routes or transfer to other transit services.