Discover an easier way to pay and ride OC Bus FREE from October 15 to 31. Learn more.
An Easier Way to Pay is Coming Soon!
Wave launches October 15! This new fare payment system is designed to save you money with flexible payment options, balance protection, and automatic fare capping so you’ll never overpay. As Wave rolls out, some programs will be phased out.
What's Changing
The items below will be phased out as we introduce new benefits that will make riding even easier.
Paper Passes
Paper passes will be replaced with Wave cards, bringing you balance protection and automatic savings.
- October 15 Day passes will stop being sold on board buses
- October 31 Last day to purchase prepaid passes in the OC Bus Mobile App, online, and at the OCTA Store
- Early Spring 2026 Riders will have up to six months to use existing passes before they will no longer be accepted
OC Bus Mobile App
The OC Bus Mobile App will be replaced by the Wave by OCTA mobile app.
- October 31 Last day to purchase passes in the OC Bus Mobile App
- February 28, 2026 Last day to use passes stored in the OC Bus Mobile App
OC Bus Rewards
With Wave, you’ll never pay more than the daily or monthly limit — after that, your rides are free. Because savings are built in, the rewards program will be discontinued. Members may request to convert their points into Wave account funds.
- October 31 Last day to purchase passes in the OC Bus mobile app
- November 30 Final day to upload passes for points
- January 2026 Deadline to request outstanding points be converted into Wave account funds