Reduced Fare Application Guide

Do you have a Wave account?

Wave is OCTA's fare payment system. Learn more about Wave.

Great! Please enter the email address associated with your Wave account. This will allow us to connect your new reduced fare with your Wave account.

You must create a Wave account before proceeding with the reduced fare application. Please visit the Wave account sign-up page to create an account and then return here and select “Yes” above.

Wave account sign-up

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Requirements for applying by mail

Please read the following instructions carefully before mailing your application. You must submit all required documents with your mail in application.

Eligibility Documents

Review the list below to ensure you have one of the eligible documents to apply for a senior reduced fare status. Make a copy of your document and include it with your application.

Eligible for approval

Valid Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) driver’s license
Valid California DMV identification card
Medicare identification card
Passport showing vital information and photo
Birth certificate and photo

Not eligible for approval

Medi-Cal State of California benefits ID card
Cal Optima health care card
Social Security card
Social Security benefits documentation
Doctor’s note

Photo Guidelines

Applicants with photos that do not adhere to the guidelines will be denied.

The individual in the photo must be the applicant
Full face only, similar to a passport photo
No hats or sunglasses
Must use a plain white or off-white background only

Acceptable

Unacceptable

What to Know

Applicants will be asked to provide their name, address, birthdate and other information.
Both an eligible document and an acceptable photo of the applicant must be included with the mail in application. See requirements above.
Applicants submitting their application by mail can expect a response within 10-14 business days. Upon approval, your designated Wave card will have your reduced fare status linked to it. If an application is denied, the applicant will receive notification that will include the reason(s) for denial, which they can correct or appeal within 14 days of the date of the denial notification.
If you plan to use the Wave mobile app to pay for rides, please download the app, create your Wave account, and set up a virtual Wave card. Your virtual card number will be required on your application so your reduced fare status can be linked to it.
If you currently have a Wave card you would like to link your reduced fare status to, you will need to enter that card number and pin number on your application.
If you will require a Wave card, you can request one, at no charge, during the application process.

Download the Application Form

Download, print and complete the Senior Reduced Fare Application form (see download button below).

Download application form

Mail Your Application

Checklist of what to include:

Your completed application form
A copy of your eligibility document
A photo of yourself

Mail applications to:

OCTA Reduced Fare
PO Box 14184
Orange, California 92863-1584

Reduced Fare Application Guide

Do you have a Wave account?

Review the lists below. Do you have an item eligible for approval?

After obtaining one of the required documents, come back to complete your application.

How would you like to apply?