Help Students Ride for Free
Preparing Students for Success
The OCTA Youth Ride Free Program provides youth ages 6 to 18 with free travel on OC Bus fixed-route service to school, work or fun on safe, clean and reliable buses.
Preparing Students for Success
The OCTA Youth Ride Free Program provides youth ages 6 to 18 with free travel on OC Bus fixed-route service to school, work or fun on safe, clean and reliable buses.
How It Works
1
Share the Program
Help families learn about the Youth Ride Free program by directing them to OCTA’s online application or the OCTA Store.
2
Complete Enrollment
Parents or guardians create or sign into a Wave account and complete the Youth Ride Free reduced fare application.
To apply, families will need:
- Student’s Wave card number (if available)
- Document showing the student’s name and birthdate
- Recent photo
3
Ride Free
Once approved, the student’s Wave account will automatically receive Youth Ride Free benefits.
Students can begin riding OC Bus for free using their Wave card.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Wave cards are issued directly through the Youth Ride Free application process or are available through the OCTA Store.
No. Parents or guardians complete the application directly with OCTA online at octa.net/Apply or at the OCTA Store. Schools do not collect forms or distribute Wave cards.
Parents or guardians can complete the Youth Ride Free reduced fare application online at octa.net/Apply or visit the OCTA Store for assistance.
Parents or guardians can order a replacement Wave card through their Wave account or visit the OCTA Store for assistance.
Questions? Contact Us
We’re happy to help answer questions about the Youth Ride Free Program.
Email
Grant Funds Offer Many Benefits
The program is grant-funded by the California Department of Transportation and the California Air Resources Board through California Climate Investments which help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen the economy, and improve public health and the environment.
