Paying Is Easy
With Wave, you’ll be able to load funds onto a physical Wave card, a virtual card in the Wave mobile app, or use an existing contactless card. Daily and monthly fares are automatically capped so you’ll never overpay. That’s the best fare guarantee. Additionally, all paid Wave trips include a free two-hour transfer to help you get where you need to go. Don’t worry, you can still use cash to pay for single rides when you board the bus.
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![Octa Wave Wave Card With Icon 2X]()
Literally wave your card in front of the validator, wait for the green light, and you’re ready to ride.
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![Octa Wave Mobile App With Icon 2X]()
With the QR code displayed, hold your smartphone underneath the validator and wait for the green light.
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![Octa Wave Contactless Card With Icon 2X]()
Use a card (debit or credit) or mobile wallet equipped with wireless technology that allows you to “tap to pay” at the validator.
Pay Cash Onboard
You’ll always be able to pay for a single ride with cash when you board. Just be sure to have exact change. Cash fares do not include free transfers or capping.
Manage Your Account Online
When you want to manage your Wave card, log in to your account to add funds, view card details and track your daily or monthly fare capping.
- Balance Protection
By registering, you can recover your balance if your card is lost or stolen or transfer it to a new card. - Real-time Account Management
You’ll be able to manage your account on the go anytime. - Manage Multiple Cards
Link up to 8 Wave cards, including family and friends.
Always Get the Best Fare
You’ll never overpay with Wave!
No need to keep tabs on fares. Wave does it for you, so you’ll never overpay. Once you reach your daily or monthly limit, the rest of your rides are free. Check your Wave account to see your progress after you ride.
How Will Fare Capping Save You Money?
The interactive chart below shows how you earn free rides on a daily and monthly basis. Monthly capping resets on the first day of each month.
Regular Fare – Daily Cap
In the example to the right, after Ride 3, the daily fare cap of $4.50 has been reached. Ride 4 and all remaining rides that day are free! By comparison, without a day pass today, the first four rides would cost $8.00.
Regular Fare - Monthly Cap
Everyone rides differently. In this example, the rider reached the monthly cap by day 18. On days 1 through 17, they reached the daily cap of $4.50. On day 18, they paid $1.50 on their first ride and they reached the monthly cap of $69.00. All rides are free for the rest of the month! By comparison, without a monthly pass today, a rider could spend up to $135 a month.
Senior/Disabled Fare - Daily Cap
In this example, after Ride 2, the daily cap of $1.35 has been reached. Ride 3 and all remaining rides that day are free! By comparison, without a day pass today, the first three rides would cost $2.25.
Senior/Disabled Fare - Monthly Cap
Everyone rides differently. In this example, the rider reached the monthly cap by day 18. On days 1 through 17, they reached the daily cap of $1.35. On day 18, they paid $0.65 on their first ride and they reached the monthly cap of $22.25. All rides are free for the rest of the month! By comparison, without a monthly pass today, a rider could spend up to $40.50 a month.
Savings for All Riders
No matter where you’re going, affordable bus fares make getting there simple and stress-free.
Senior & Disabled Fares
Take advantage of reduced fares.
Seniors 60 years and older and persons with disabilities can ride OCTA’s transit services using a reduced fare. Riders must apply to participate in the reduced fare program.
College Fares
Students enrolled in nine or more units a semester can enjoy reduced fares. Students enrolled at any of the nine Community Colleges in Orange County receive free fares.
Youth Ride Free
Youth 18 and under enjoy free travel on safe, clean and reliable transit services throughout Orange County.
Ready to Get Started with Wave?
The Wave by OCTA app will be available in the App Store and Google Play soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Wave cards cannot be added to mobile wallets. Instead, you can download the Wave by OCTA app and create a virtual card, which can be reloaded in the app or with cash at participating retailers. You may also use your existing mobile wallet as a contactless payment option.
Log in to your account to add funds to your Wave card using your preferred payment method. You can also add funds at any of the Wave retail locations with cash.
If you registered your Wave card, your balance is protected. Simply log in to your account and transfer the funds from the lost card to a new card.
The Wave card is a reusable, reloadable card valid for 10 years.