Getting Started
Everything you need to ride and manage your Wave account is right at your fingertips. Easily manage your virtual card, add funds (even with cash), and oversee multiple cards—all in one simple app.
Download the app
Get the Wave by OCTA mobile app from the App Store or Google Play.
Create your account
Register online or within the app by entering your information and payment method. If you use the OC Bus mobile app, register with the same email address.
Add a virtual Wave card
Tap “Add Card” at the top of the screen to create a virtual card. Once added, it will appear in your app labeled “Wave Virtual.” Load money and it’s all set.
Manage your cards
Access your cards and add funds anytime. Set up your payment method to reload funds or enable autoload to load funds automatically when your balance is low.
Ride with your virtual card
Before boarding, tap the QR code at the bottom of the mobile app. To scan, hold your phone underneath the validator. Once you hear a chime and see a check mark, you’re ready to ride.
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
The Wave system will feature a new mobile app. You’ll need to download the new Wave by OCTA app and create an account—ideally using the same email address as before. Once the new app launches, the current OC Bus mobile app will be phased out.
Yes, you will use the same username and password to log in on both the mobile app and the website, as the system is account-based and not tied to a specific device.
Yes, the new mobile app will include an option to load funds to your virtual card using cash at participating retail locations.
You'll be able to load funds into your mobile account using cash or debit/credit cards at participating retail locations.
More Ways to Pay
Wave Card
The Wave card allows you to pay for travel on OCTA’s transit services throughout Orange County. It’s a reloadable card that offers balance protection and daily and monthly fare capping. It can be purchased online or at participating retailers.
Contactless Cards
You probably already have a contactless card in your wallet. They allow you to securely tap your card to pay and will have a symbol on the front or back like a Wi-Fi symbol turned on its side. Contactless cards can also be added to a mobile wallet and used when boarding.