The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) is set to launch the new Wave fare payment system on Wednesday, Oct. 15, bringing riders a more flexible way to pay for OC Bus trips.

The new Wave system replaces traditional paper passes with reloadable physical cards and offers payment options through the Wave mobile app, including debit and credit cards. Riders will be able to tap their physical Wave card or virtual card via a mobile device when boarding to pay their fare, making boarding more efficient.

“Wave represents an important step in modernizing our OC Bus system,” said OCTA Chair Doug Chaffee, also Chair of the Orange County Board of Supervisors and Fourth District Supervisor. “Our goal is to make public transit as accessible and convenient as possible.”

New Wave Fare System Simplifies Transit Payments

The Wave system introduces several rider-friendly features designed to make public transit more convenient and provide a more efficient boarding process: 

• Automatic reloads and online management allow users to add value or set auto-reload options through an online account.

• Balance protection means registered riders can easily replace lost or stolen cards without losing funds.

• Best-fare guarantee through capping, which ensures riders always get the best price. Riders pay per trip but never more than the cost of a one-day or 30-day pass.

• Multiple cards per account: Riders can manage up to eight cards, perfect for families or groups.

• An expanded retail network across Orange County makes it easy to purchase and reload Wave cards with cash or credit.

• Contactless payments, including debit or credit cards or mobile wallets, are also accepted for added convenience.

More than 500 retail outlets will sell Wave cards — more than five times the number of locations previously. Wave cards are available for a one-time fee of $4 at retail locations, or $2 via the OCTA website at octa.net/wave or by visiting the OCTA headquarters.

Beginning with the Oct. 15 launch, paper day passes will no longer be sold onboard buses. Riders are encouraged to obtain a Wave card or download the Wave app in advance of the launch.

To celebrate the debut of Wave, OCTA is offering:

• Free rides from Oct. 15–31 for riders using a Wave card or app.

• Automatic entry into a prize drawing to win $100 for those who register their Wave card during the launch period.

Riders who prefer to pay cash may continue to do so on board buses using exact change only. Existing youth and community college pass programs, as well as reduced fares for seniors, will remain unchanged.

Wave Marks a Step Forward in OCTA’s Modernization Efforts

The Wave system is part of OCTA’s broader effort to enhance accessibility, sustainability, and customer service across its transit network. According to an agency release, by simplifying how passengers pay and eliminating the need for paper passes, OCTA is reducing waste, increasing efficiency, and aligning with modern payment technologies used in major transit systems nationwide.

“With Wave, we’re giving riders more control, better value, and a smoother experience,” said OCTA CEO Darrell E. Johnson. “It’s another example of OCTA’s commitment to innovation and the highest level of customer service that keeps Orange County moving.”