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WAVE

Meet Wave

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launching October 15, 2025

Ride FREE with Wave!

October 15 to 31
The Wave fare payment system is coming! Riding using Wave will be easy, convenient, and save you money. Get Wave and ride free from October 15 to 31. Plus, register for a chance to win $100*!

Ride FREE with Wave!

October 15 to 31
The Wave fare payment system is coming! Riding using Wave will be easy, convenient, and save you money. Get Wave and ride free from October 15 to 31. Plus, register for a chance to win $100*!

Get Your Free Wave Card!

Say goodbye to paper passes and hello to the Wave! From October 15 through 31, ride free with the Wave Mobile App or Wave Card. Three easy ways to get your free Wave Card!

wave card

Wave Card

  • Pick up a free card at the OCTA Store.
  • Register for a chance to win $100*.
  • Start riding!
mobile app
Coming soon!

Wave Mobile App

  • Download the app.
  • Register for a chance to win $100*.
  • Update your app on October 13 to add a free virtual card.
  • Start riding!
Senior Holding a Wave Card

Wave Ambassadors

  • Get a free Wave card from Wave Ambassadors
  • Find them on board buses, at bus stops, transit centers, and more
  • Available on a first-come, first-served basis
mobile app

⚠️ Reminder

Starting October 15, paper passes will no longer be sold onboard. Cash will still be accepted for single rides with exact change only.

Meet the New Wave Card

The future of travel on OC Transit will revolve around our new Wave fare payment card. The Wave card will offer worry-free payments when you travel on OC Bus or OC Streetcar, no matter how many rides you take. There are so many benefits to using the Wave card. Here are our top three!

No Expiration Date

Smart cards are re-loadable and durable and never expire.

Balance Protection

By registering your Wave card, you can recover your balance if the card is lost or stolen and transfer the balance to a new card.

Wave to Pay

Boarding OC Bus will be faster. Just wave your card in front of the validator.

A Powerful New Mobile App

Everything you need to ride and manage your Wave card will be in the palm of your hand. The new Mobile App will allow you to manage your card, add funds, oversee multiple cards, and even add funds with cash. Here’s what you’ll be able to accomplish.

Carry a Virtual Wave Card for Free

Create a virtual card and eliminate the need to carry a physical card. All you’ll need is your smartphone!

Manage Multiple Cards

Manage up to 8 Wave cards including those of family and friends.

Reload in Real-time

Add funds to your Wave card on the run. Your reloads will be there instantly.

Add Cash to Wave

You will always have the option to reload your virtual Wave card with cash at participating retailers.

best fare guarantee

Pay Less…Automatically!

The new Wave fare payment system automatically tabulates your rides and stops charging you when you’ve met your daily or monthly limit. We call it Fare Capping. After you reach your cap, the rest of your rides are free. This pay-as-you-go system ensures you always get the best fare…and only pay for what you need.

This works for regular fares along with senior and disabled fares. Our Youth Ride Free (18 and under) program and the College Pass Program won’t change.

More About Wave

What to Expect

Our Wave fare payment system will offer options to meet all rider’s needs.

Best Fare Guarantee

Pay as you go without needing to prepay for discounts.

Where to Buy

Learn about the online and retail locations where Wave will be available.

*No purchase necessary to win. See sweepstakes rules at OCBus.com/WaveRules