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WAVE

Meet Wave

launching October 15, 2025

An Easier Way to Pay is Almost Here

The Wave fare payment system launches October 15!
Riding using the Wave card will be easy, convenient, and save you money. Discover how our upcoming fare payment system will work.

An Easier Way to Pay is Almost Here

The Wave fare payment system launches October 15!
Riding using the Wave card will be easy, convenient, and save you money. Discover how our upcoming fare payment system will work.

Get Your Free Wave Card!

The Wave fare payment system will include a contactless reloadable smart card, new robust mobile app and a new account-based system. Look out for Wave Ambassadors on buses, at bus stops, transportation centers, and community events. They’ll be handing out free Wave cards! Learn more

wave card

Wave Card

mobile app

Wave Mobile App

  • Download the app.
  • Register for a chance to win $100*.
  • Update your app on October 13 to add a free virtual card.
  • Start riding!

App Store      Google Play Store
Senior Holding a Wave Card

Wave Ambassadors

  • Get a free Wave card from Wave Ambassadors
  • Find them on board buses, at bus stops, transit centers, and more
  • Available on a first-come, first-served basis
mobile app

⚠️ Reminder

Starting October 15, paper passes will no longer be sold onboard. Cash will still be accepted for single rides with exact change only.

Boarding Is Easy

With Wave, you’ll be connected to the latest in pay-as-you-go technology that will allow you to load value onto a physical Wave card, the Wave mobile app, or use a contactless card, to pay when you board. Your payment method will automatically tabulate when you’ve reached your daily or monthly cap. Don't worry, you can still use cash to pay for single rides when you board the bus. Learn more about What to Expect.

wave card

Wave Card

Literally wave your Wave card in front of the validator, wait for the green light, and you’ll be ready to ride.

wave mobile app

Wave Mobile App

Hold your smartphone underneath the validator using the Wave Mobile App displaying your QR code and wait for the green light!

contactless card

Contactless Card

Use a contactless card (such as a debit or credit card) that is equipped with wireless technology that allows you to “tap to pay” at the validator. Using your phone’s digital wallet, you can also use Apple Pay or Google Pay.

Meet the New Wave Card

The future of travel on OC Transit will revolve around our new Wave fare payment card. The Wave card will offer worry-free payments when you travel on OC Bus or OC Streetcar, no matter how many rides you take. There are so many benefits to using the Wave card. Here are our top three!

No Expiration Date

Smart cards are re-loadable and durable and never expire.

Balance Protection

By registering your Wave card, you can recover your balance if the card is lost or stolen and transfer the balance to a new card.

Wave to Pay

Boarding OC Bus will be faster. Just wave your card in front of the validator.

A Powerful New Mobile App

Everything you need to ride and manage your Wave card will be in the palm of your hand. The new Mobile App will allow you to manage your card, add funds, oversee multiple cards, and even add funds with cash. Here’s what you’ll be able to accomplish.

Carry a Virtual Wave Card for Free

Create a virtual card and eliminate the need to carry a physical card. All you’ll need is your smartphone!

Manage Multiple Cards

Manage up to 8 Wave cards including those of family and friends.

Reload in Real-time

Add funds to your Wave card on the run. Your reloads will be there instantly.

Add Cash to Wave

You will always have the option to reload your virtual Wave card with cash at participating retailers.

best fare guarantee

Pay Less…Automatically!

The new Wave fare payment system automatically tabulates your rides and stops charging you when you’ve met your daily or monthly limit. We call it Fare Capping. After you reach your cap, the rest of your rides are free. This pay-as-you-go system ensures you always get the best fare…and only pay for what you need.

This works for regular fares along with senior and disabled fares. Our Youth Ride Free (18 and under) program and the College Pass Program won’t change.

More About Wave

What to Expect

Our Wave fare payment system will offer options to meet all rider’s needs.

Best Fare Guarantee

Pay as you go without needing to prepay for discounts.

Where to Buy

Learn about the online and retail locations where Wave will be available.

Wave Ambassadors Locations

Look out for Wave Ambassadors on buses, at bus stops, transportation centers, and community events. They’ll be handing out free Wave cards! Supplies are limited! See the locations below.

Swipe for more
Date Locations Times**
Wednesday, Oct. 8 Brea Mall
1065 Brea Mall, Brea, CA 92821 (across from Macys between Olive Garden & Red Lobster)
2:00pm - 5:00pm
Katella and Euclid, Anaheim, CA 92802 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Route 43: Fullerton Transportation Center
123 S Pomona Ave, Fullerton, CA 92832 ↔ Harbor & Westminster, Garden Grove, CA 92843
7:15am - 9:00am
Thursday, Oct. 9 Village at Orange
1500 E Village Way, Orange, CA 92865
7:00am - 10:00am
2:00pm - 5:00pm
La Palma and State College, Anaheim, CA 92806 7:00am - 10:00am
2:00pm - 5:00pm
Route 60: 7th & Channel, Santa Ana, CA 92701 ↔ Westminster & Harbor, Garden Grove, CA 92843 7:00am - 9:05am
Friday, Oct. 10 Ball and Brookhurst, Anaheim, CA 92804 7:00am - 10:00am
Lincoln and Harbor, Anaheim, CA 92805 7:00am - 10:00am
Route 83: Fullerton Park & Ride (Nutwood & Lemon), Fullerton, CA 92831 ↔ Santa Ana & Santiago, Santa Ana, CA 92701 7:15am - 9:00am
Monday, Oct. 13 Golden West Transportation Center
7301 Center Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92647
2:00pm - 5:00pm
Route 66: McFadden & Harbor, Santa Ana, CA 92704 ↔ McFadden & Grand, Santa Ana, CA 92705 7:05am - 8:00am
Tuesday, Oct. 14 MacArthur and Bristol, Santa Ana, CA 92704 7:00am - 10:00am
2:00pm - 5:00pm
Route 91: Laguna Hills Transportation Center, 24282 Calle de los Caballeros, Laguna Hills, CA 92653 ↔ Camino Capistrano & Ortega, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 7:20am - 9:10am
Wednesday, Oct. 15 Fullerton Park-and-Ride
3000 W. Orangethorpe Ave, Fullerton, CA 92833
2:00pm - 5:00pm
Laguna Hills Transportation Center
24282 Calle de los Caballeros, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
7:00am - 10:00am
Thursday, Oct. 16 Fullerton Transportation Center
123 S. Pomona Ave, Fullerton, CA 92832
7:00am - 10:00am
Newport Transportation Center
1550 Avocado Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92660
7:00am - 10:00am
2:00pm - 5:00pm
Friday, Oct. 17 Golden West Transportation Center
7301 Center Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92647
7:00am - 10:00am

*No purchase necessary to win. See sweepstakes rules at OCBus.com/WaveRules
**Subject to change