Meet the New Wave Card

The Wave card offers worry-free payments when you travel on OC Bus or OC Streetcar, no matter how many rides you take.

Meet the New Wave Card

The Wave card offers worry-free payments when you travel on OC Bus or OC Streetcar, no matter how many rides you take.

What happens to paper passes purchased before Oct.15, 2025? Find out more in the Wave transition plan

About the Wave Card

The Wave card provides the Best Fare Guarantee for:

Daily rides Monthly rides

The Wave Card is a reusable, reloadable plastic card that makes paying your bus fare quick, simple, and secure. Just load money onto the card and tap it on the onboard validator each time you ride.

No Expiration Date

Smart cards are re-loadable and durable and never expire.

Balance Protection

By registering your Wave card, you can recover your balance if lost or stolen and transfer it to a new card.

Wave to Pay

Boarding OC Bus will be faster. Just wave your card in front of the validator.

Boarding with the Wave App

Tap to Board – Hold your Wave Card to the validator as you enter the bus.
Automatic Payment – The correct fare is instantly deducted from your card balance.
Confirmation – A light and sound let you know your payment went through.
Built-In Fare Capping – You’ll never pay more than the daily or monthly limit, so you always get the best deal.

Where to Buy a Wave Card

There will be many retail locations where you can purchase a Wave card, reload your account (with cash or credit), and have the funds available immediately.

Retail Network

There will be over 500 potential retail locations where users can easily purchase a Wave card.

$4.00

Retail locations

Find a Retail Location

OCTA Website

You will be able to order directly from the OCTA website and have a Wave card mailed to you.

$2.00

OCTA Website

OCTA Store

You will be able to visit the OCTA Store in Orange and purchase cards in-person.

$2.00

OCTA Store

How to Reload a Wave Card

You can reload your Wave Card in two convenient ways:

Reload at a Retail Store

Find a participating Wave retail location.
Bring your Wave Card to the cashier.
Tell them how much money you’d like to add.
Pay with cash, debit, or credit.
Your funds are available immediately — ready for your next ride.

Reload Through Your Wave Account

Log in to your Wave account online or through the Wave Mobile App
Select “Add Funds” from your account dashboard
Enter the amount you’d like to add
Choose your payment method (debit or credit card)
Confirm your payment — funds will be added instantly
(Optional) Set up auto-reload so your balance never runs out

Make the most of your Wave Card by creating a free Wave Account. With your account, you’ll have real-time control over your transit and access to powerful tools that make riding even easier.

Why Register?

Real-Time Account Management – Link Wave cards, instantly add funds, and view your balance.
Manage Multiple Cards – Keep all of your family’s or business’s Wave Cards organized in one place.
Automatic Fund Replenishment – Set up auto-reload so you’re never caught with a low balance.
Check Your Fare Capping Status – See how close you are to reaching your daily or monthly cap and know when your rides are free.