Discover an easier way to pay and ride OC Bus FREE from October 15 to 31. Learn more.
Wave Fare System Basics
Yes, you can still use cash for single rides. You must have exact fare. Cash fares do not include free transfers or capping.
- Cash (for single rides only)
- A Wave card (physical or in the app)
- A contactless credit/debit card
Wave Card Basics
If you linked a Wave card to your account, your balance is protected. You can log in to your Wave account and transfer the funds from the lost card to a new card.
Wave Mobile Basics
Contactless Basics
Yes, you can view your daily fare capping progress on the Contactless History webpage. You will need to enter your card details. This is for verification only and will not be stored. Monthly capping does not apply to contactless payments.
Your DPAN number is a four-digit identifier referred to as your card or account number. Find it in Apple Pay or Google Pay under your card information.
Children aged 5 and under ride free. Youth aged 6 to 18 can ride free with the Youth Ride Free pass, but this pass must be registered in advance.
Reduced Fare Basics
All riders who wish to use reduced fares must create an account with Wave. OCTA will contact current reduced fare customers with instructions for the self-guided transfer process once the new system launches. New riders seeking reduced fare status will need to apply online through a registration process similar to the current one.
No, there is no cost for applying for reduced fares. To receive reduced fares, you must go through the application process to qualify. Once approved, your initial Wave card will be free for seniors, disabled, and youth riders. Replacements or additional cards will include a fee.
All reduced fares have an expiration date, which is displayed in your Wave customer account next to your rider type. Riders will need to reapply to maintain their reduced fare benefit.
- Senior Fares: Expire 5 years from the approval date listed on your application.
- Disabled Fares: Expiration depends on the type of disability approved during the application process.
- College Fares: Valid for the qualifying semester—Fall fares expire December 31, and Spring fares expire June 30.
- Youth Fares: Expire every 2 years or at the end of the month in which the rider turns 19.
Yes, if you currently have a Wave card used for regular fares, you can enter that card number during the application process. Once approved, the card will be linked to your account and updated with your eligible reduced fare rider type.
Please note: If you’ve already started accumulating fares toward a regular daily or monthly cap and your card is later converted to a reduced fare card within that same month, the fares paid prior to the change will not count toward the reduced fare cap. Your reduced fare cap will start over once your card is designated with your qualifying reduced fare rider type.
More About Wave
Meet Wave
Learn about how the Wave fare payment system works and new features available.
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.