The most significant update is the replacement of paper passes with the new physical Wave card—a durable, reusable plastic smartcard. Participants can use this card while enrolled in your program. When they are no longer eligible, the card will automatically convert to regular rider status, allowing continued use without requiring a new card or account.

Some organizations may also offer participants the option to access their reduced fare status through the Wave mobile app, eliminating the need to distribute and manage physical cards.

• Secure login credentials for designated administrators
• Ability to add or remove participants
• Option to order physical Wave cards that reflect your program’s rider status (Cards ordered through OCTA cost $2 each. You may choose to cover this cost or pass it on to your participants.)
• Training on use and benefits of the Institutional website.

If you’d like more information about how the Wave fare system may impact your organization—or if you’re interested in joining as a participating organization—please complete the form below. An OCTA representative will follow up with you.

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OCTA will partner with each participating organization to provide training and educational materials for both administrators and participants.

• Youth Ride Free For the Fall 2025 school year, the administration and distribution of the Youth Ride Free benefit will follow the current process, with one key change: schools will now issue plastic Wave cards to students, preprogrammed with Youth Ride Free status and set to expire after one year. The Wave cards distributed to schools will be free of charge.
  
  Starting in early 2026, a new process will require parents or students to apply directly through OCTA to receive their Youth Ride Free Wave card. OCTA will provide full details and guidance to schools as this change approaches.
• Community Colleges For Fall 2025, the administration and distribution of the Community College rider benefit will remain unchanged.
  
  Beginning Spring 2026, all community colleges will transition to using the Wave mobile app and the new Institutional website for program management and Wave card distribution.
  
  Wave cards ordered through the Institutional website will cost $2 each. You may choose to cover this cost or pass it on to your participants.
• Universities For the Fall 2025 semester, the administration and distribution of the University rider benefit will remain the same.
  
  Starting in Spring 2026, all universities will transition to the Wave card and Wave mobile app, utilizing the new Institutional website for program management and card distribution.
  
  Wave cards ordered through the Institutional website will cost $2 each. You may choose to cover this cost or pass it on to your participants.
• Employers For Fall 2025, the current process for administering and distributing the Employer rider benefit will continue.
  
  Beginning Spring 2026, employers will adopt the Wave card and Wave mobile app, with program management and card distribution handled through the new Institutional website.
  
  Wave cards ordered through the Institutional website will cost $2 each. You may choose to cover this cost or pass it on to your participants.
• Other Approved Organizations and Government Agencies Each participating organization and agency currently operates under unique benefit structures tailored to their needs. To learn how the Wave fare system will apply to your program, please complete the form provided. An OCTA representative will reach out with more information.
  
  Wave cards ordered through the Institutional website will cost $2 each. You may choose to cover this cost or pass it on to your participants.