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OC Bus

Reduced Fares

Take advantage of reduced fares.

If you are 60 years and older, disabled, college student, or youth, you can enjoy riding OCTA transit services using a reduced fare.

Take advantage of reduced fares.

If you are 60 years and older, disabled, college student, or youth, you can enjoy riding OCTA transit services using a reduced fare.

How do I get a reduced fare?

You will need to apply to receive a discounted fare when riding OCTA’s transit services. Before you can apply, you must create an account on the Wave website. An account is required as part of the eligibility process. Once your account is created, choose your rider type from the choices below to begin the application process.

Don’t have a Wave account?

Create yours now!

Already approved for reduced fares?

Transfer your existing reduced fare status to your Wave account.

Who is eligible for reduced fares?

Seniors

Seniors

You must be 60 years and older to qualify for senior fares. When using reduced fares, you must show proper identification when boarding, if asked.

View Eligible Documents
Disabled Persons

Disabled Persons

Persons with disabilities can enjoy riding OCTA transit services using a reduced fare. When using reduced fares, you must show proper identification when boarding, if asked.

View Eligible Documents
College Students

College Students

Students enrolled in 9 or more units a semester can enjoy reduced monthly fares. Students enrolled at any of the 9 Community Colleges in Orange County receive free fares.
More About College Fares
More About Community College Program

Youth

Youth

Youth 18 and under enjoy free travel on safe, clean and reliable OCTA transit services with the Youth Ride Free pass. More about Youth Ride Free

How much are reduced fares?

All OCTA reduced fares are listed below, along with the savings reduced fares provide to riders. Additionally, Wave offers the best fare guarantee, meaning you pay as you ride without needing to pay upfront for daily or monthly passes. About Fare Capping

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Fare Type Regular Senior Disabled College Youth
Single Fare (One Way) $2.00 $0.75
Save $1.25!
$0.75
Save $1.25!
$2.00 $0.00
Save $2.00!
Daily Fare Cap $4.50 $1.35
Save $3.15!
$1.35
Save $3.15!
$4.50 $0.00
Save $4.50!
Monthly Fare Cap $69.00 $22.25
Save $46.75!
$22.25
Save $46.75!
$46.00
Save $23.00!
$0.00
Save $69.00!

Using a reduced fare with Wave

Once your application has been approved, your Wave account will be designated with your approved reduced fare rider type. You can use your reduced fare on either a physical card, or a virtual card on the Wave mobile app.

Wave mobile app
Wave Mobile App + Reduced Fare
  • Download the Wave mobile app
  • Log in using the same email/password as your Wave account
  • Create a virtual Wave card. Note: You must create your mobile account and create your virtual card before you apply for your reduced fare.
  • Your virtual card will automatically be designated with your reduced fare rider type once your application has been approved.
  • Enjoy riding with reduced fares.
Apple App Store Google Play Store
Wave physical card
Wave Physical Card + Reduced Fare
  • If you have a Wave card, you will need to input your card number during the application process. Once approved, that card will be designated with your reduced fare rider type.
  • If you request a new Wave card during the application process, the Wave card that you receive by mail will automatically be designated with your reduced fare rider type.
  • Enjoy riding with reduced fares.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

No, the reduced fare you applied for is only valid for your use only. You must show proper verification on board, if asked.

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.