SANTA ANA, Calif. — This summer, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) is introducing WAVE, a new smart fare card aimed at making bus travel more cost-effective for riders. WAVE will function similarly to fare cards used by LA Metro and New York MTA, offering a reloadable, reusable, and no-expiration payment option.
OCTA currently offers one-day and 30-day paper passes, but some riders either spend more than necessary or don’t use public transportation enough to fully maximize their month-pass cost ($69). WAVE is designed to eliminate this issue by automatically giving riders the best possible price.
How WAVE Works
The WAVE system uses fare capping, ensuring that once a rider reaches a certain amount in fares, the rest of their rides are free:
- One-way rides cost $2
- A one-day pass is $4.50 on the OC Bus app ($5.00 cash/coin if boarding)
- After three one-way trips in a single day (totaling $4.50), the rest of that day’s rides are free
- After $69 in fares within a calendar month, the rest of that month’s rides are free
Fares are tallied starting on the 1st of every month, and riders must reach the monthly cap within the same month for unlimited rides.
Getting the Most Value
For riders looking to maximize savings:
- For regular riders to reach the $69 monthly cap, they’d have to ride at least three times in a day for 15 days and then one more time on the 16th day within the same month.
- For disabled/senior riders to get the most value, they’d have to ride three times a day for about 16 days and then one more time on the 17th day within the same month.
WAVE can be managed online or through a new app coming this summer, allowing riders to add funds easily and pay via tap-to-ride using a debit or credit card.
Those using current paper passes will still be allowed to use them, as well as all other pre-existing bus programs, such as free rides for students. As well as continue to accept coins and bills.
OCTA has confirmed that this initiative will not increase fares, and instead, WAVE will always ensure riders get the best price possible automatically.
"[W]ith the WAVE system no rider will pay more than what they pay today, and most will pay less." - Eric Carpenter, OCTA
OCTA Wants Rider Feedback
As OCTA prepares to roll out WAVE this summer, they are seeking public input to fine-tune the program. Riders can learn more or share their thoughts by visiting octa.net/wave.
