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Wave Public Involvement Process

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Get ready for the future of OC Bus

Introducing the Wave fare payment system.

Enjoy faster boarding, exclusive discounts, and a more convenient way to ride, starting Summer 2025.

Get ready for the future of OC Bus

Introducing the Wave fare payment system.

Enjoy faster boarding, exclusive discounts, and a more convenient way to ride, starting Summer 2025.

your opinion matters

Tell Us What You Think!

Your feedback about the Wave fare system is extremely valuable.

your opinion matters

Tell Us What You Think!

Your feedback about the Wave fare system is extremely valuable.

Goodbye Paper Passes, Hello Smart Technology

Starting in Summer 2025, the new Wave fare payment system will use pay-as-you-go technology that lets you pay for rides on OCTA transit based on what you use versus the fixed amount on a paper pass. The new system will include a contactless reloadable smart card, new robust mobile app and a new account-based system.

wave card
new!

Wave Fare Card

  • Reusable plastic card
  • Reloadable
  • Available at OCTA Store and 400+ retail locations
mobile app
new!

Wave Mobile App

  • Real-time reloads and account management
  • Reload with cash at retailers
  • Can also manage other physical smartcards
Account-Based System
new!

Account-Based System

  • Cloud based allows access from the web, smartphone and the new mobile app
  • Balance protection if card is lost/stolen
  • Best price guarantee
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.

your opinion matters

How to Participate

We want to hear from you! Please take a moment to learn more about the Wave fare payment system then participate in a virtual community event, attend an in-person meeting, and take our short survey. No matter how you choose to participate we will be answering questions and gathering your feedback about the new Wave fare payment system.

meet wave

Meet Wave

Find out how the Wave fare payment system works and learn about the exciting new features and savings headed your way.

Take the survey

Take the Survey

After you’ve learned the basics about Wave, take the community survey and tell us what you think!

Events and more

Join a Meeting

Discover opportunities to participate in local events and community meetings. Get all your questions answered.

Join Us and Learn More!

During our community meetings and pop-up events we will be answering questions and gathering your feedback on the new Wave fare payment system.

Community Meetings

We have a series of community meetings where you can learn more and ask questions about the Wave fare payment system.

Pop-Up Events

We’d love to meet you in person to tell you all about Wave! Please join us for a local pop-up event to hear about Wave and get all your questions answered.

Event Date & Time Location
Virtual Community Meeting - English
February 4, 2025
6:00 pm
RSVP
Virtual Community Meeting – Spanish
February 5, 2025
6:00 pm
RSVP
In-Person Community Meeting
Norma Hertzog Community Center
February 11, 2025
6:00 pm
1845 Park Ave.,
Costa Mesa, CA 92627

Served by bus routes 35, 43, 55, 71
Virtual Community Meeting – Vietnamese
February 12, 2025
3:00 pm
RSVP
In-Person Community Meeting
Laguna Hills Community Center
February 12, 2025
6:00 pm
25555 Alicia Pkwy,
Laguna Hills, CA 92653

Served by bus routes 91, 177
In-Person Community Meeting
Fullerton Community Center
February 13, 2025
6:00 pm
340 W Commonwealth Ave,
Fullerton, CA 92832

Served by bus route 26
In-Person Community Meeting
Santa Ana College Adult Education Center
February 20, 2025
TBD
1530 W 17th St.,
Santa Ana, CA 92627

Served by bus routes 57, 60, 560
Local Pop-Up Meet & Greet
Fullerton Park-and-Ride
March 3, 2025
8:00 am to 10:00 am
3000 W. Orangethorpe Ave.,
Fullerton, CA 92833

Served by bus routes 25, 26, 30, 33, 35, 83, 529
Local Pop-Up Meet & Greet
Fullerton Transportation Center
March 4, 2025
8:00 am to 10:00 am
123 S. Pomona Ave.,
Fullerton, CA 92833

Served by bus routes 26, 43, 47, 143, 543
Local Pop-Up Meet & Greet
Goldenwest Transportation Center
March 5, 2025
8:00 am to 10:00 am
7301 Center Ave.,
Huntington Beach, CA 92803

Served by bus routes 26, 43, 47, 143, 543
Local Pop-Up Meet & Greet
Laguna Hills Transportation Center
March 10, 2025
8:00 am to 10:00 am
24282 Calle de los Caballeros,
Laguna Hills, CA 92653

Served by bus routes 83, 89, 91, 177
Local Pop-Up Meet & Greet
Newport Transportation Center
March 11, 2025
8:00 am to 10:00 am
1550 Avocado Ave.,
Newport Beach, CA 92660

Served by bus routes 1, 55, 57, 79
Public Hearing:
OCTA Headquarters
March 24, 2025
9:30 am
OCTA Headquarters, Board Room
550 S. Main St, Orange, CA

Location served by bus routes 53, 56, 83, 553

More Ways to Participate

Talk to Us

Provide comments by phone by: March 24, 2025

Phone:

Language assistance provided

Send Us a Letter

Provide comments by mail by: March 24, 2025

Mailing Address:
OCTA
Attn: Marketing Rm 722
550 South Main Street
PO Box 14184
Orange, CA 92863-1584

Look for Us on OC Bus

OC Bus ambassadors will be riding the bus to answer questions, hand out surveys, and give you the inside scoop on the upcoming fare program.

your opinion matters

Tell Us What You Think!

Changing our fare payment system will make riding OC Bus more convenient and could save you money. As we assess and refine the new Wave fare payment system it is important for us to get your input. Please plan to participate by attending a community meeting and taking our online survey.

All survey entries will be entered to win a $100 VISA gift card.