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Reduced Fares

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Take advantage of reduced fares.

If you are 60 years and older, disabled or a college student, you can enjoy riding OCTA transit services using a reduced fare.

Take advantage of reduced fares.

If you are 60 years and older, disabled or a college student, you can enjoy riding OCTA transit services using a reduced fare.

How do I get a reduced fare?

You will need to submit an application to OCTA to pay a discounted fare when riding OCTA’s transit services. Before you can apply, you must create an account on the Wave customer website. An account is required as part of the eligibility process. Once your account is created, choose your rider type from the choices below to begin the application process.


Don’t have a Wave account?

Create yours now!

Already have a reduced fare card?

Transfer your existing reduced fare status to Wave.

Who is eligible for reduced fares?

Seniors

Seniors

You must be 60 years and older to qualify for senior fares. When using reduced fares, you must show proper identification when boarding, if asked.

Seniors

Disabled Persons

Persons with disabilities can enjoy riding OCTA transit services using a reduced fare. When using reduced fares, you must show proper identification when boarding, if asked.

Seniors

College Students

Students enrolled in 9 or more units a semester can enjoy reduced monthly fares. Students enrolled at any of the 9 Community Colleges in Orange County receive free fares.
More About College Fares
More About Community College Program

Seniors

Youth

Youth 18 and under enjoy free travel on safe, clean and reliable OCTA transit services with the Youth Ride Free pass. More About Youth Ride Free

Start your reduced fare application

How much are reduced fares?

All OCTA reduced fares are listed below, along with the savings reduced fares provide to riders. Additionally, with the Wave fare payment system, you are guaranteed the best fare, meaning you pay as you go without needing to prepay for discounts. About Fare Capping

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Fare Type Regular Senior Disabled College Youth
Single Fare (One Way) $2.00 $0.75
Save $1.25!
 $0.75
Save $1.25!
 $2.00 $0.00
Save $2.00!
Daily Fare Cap $4.50 $1.35
Save $3.15!
 $1.35
Save $3.15!
 $4.50 $0.00
Save $4.50!
Monthly Fare Cap $69.00 $22.25
Save $46.75!
 $22.25
Save $46.75!
 $46.00
Save $23.00!
 $0.00
Save $69.00!

Using a reduced fare with Wave

Once your application has been approved, your Wave account will be designated with your approved reduced fare rider type. You can use your reduced fare on either a physical card, or a virtual card on the Wave mobile app.

Wave mobile app
Wave Mobile App + Reduced Fare
  • Download Wave mobile app (see download buttons below)
  • Log in using same email/password as your Wave account
  • Create a virtual Wave card. Note: you must create your mobile account and create your virtual card before you apply for your reduced fare.
  • Your virtual card will automatically be designated with your reduced fare rider type.
  • Enjoy riding with reduced fares.
Apple App Store Google Play Store
Wave physical card
Wave Physical Card + Reduced Fare
  • If you request a new Wave card during your application process, the Wave card that you receive will automatically be designated with your reduced fare rider type when you receive it.
  • If you currently have a Wave card, you will need to input that card number during your application process. Once you are approved, that card will be designated as your reduced fare rider type.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, there is no cost to apply for reduced fares. To receive reduced fares, you must go through the application process and be approved.

All reduced fares have an expiration date, and this expiration date is indicated in your Wave customer account next to your rider type designation.

  • For seniors, the expiration date is 10 years from the approval date on your application.
  • For disabled fares, the expiration date is dependent upon the type of disability you are approved for in the application process.
  • For college fares, your approved fare will be valid for the semester you are qualifying for. The fall semester expires on December 31 and the Spring semester expires on June 30.

No, the reduced fare you applied for is only valid for your use only. You must show proper verification on board, if asked.

Yes, if you currently have a Wave card that you have been paying regular fares with, you can enter that card number in during your application process. Once you have been approved, that card will be linked to your account and identified with your qualifying reduced fare rider type.

If you have begun a monthly cap paying regular fares, and you transition your card to a reduced fare card during that month, the fares you have already paid will not apply to a reduced fare monthly cap. Your reduced fare monthly cap will begin once your card has been designated with your qualifying reduced fare rider type.

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