More OC Bus riders are making the switch to Wave, OCTA's fare payment system designed to make riding transit easier and more convenient.
Since launching in October 2025, Wave adoption has grown rapidly. Today, approximately 61% of OC Bus boardings use a Wave card, the Wave mobile app, or contactless payment methods such as debit and credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. That's nearly double the adoption rate seen when the system was first introduced.
"The continued growth of the Wave system shows that riders are embracing a more convenient and modern way to pay for transit," said OCTA Chair Jamey M. Federico. "Wave helps speed up boarding, simplifies fare payment, and ensures riders can more easily take advantage of discounts and features that automatically provide the best value for passengers."
Wave's account-based system offers riders several benefits, including free two-hour transfers, fare capping that automatically provides the best fare, balance protection, autoload options, and easy online account management. More than 255,000 active Wave accounts have been created since the system launched.
OCTA has also expanded access to Wave throughout Orange County, growing its network of retail locations where riders can purchase and reload Wave cards. The expanded network helps ensure convenient access for customers who prefer to pay with cash while still benefiting from the features Wave offers.
The successful transition to Wave follows OCTA's completion of the phase-out of magnetic-stripe paper passes earlier this year. Riders may still pay with exact cash onboard OC Bus, but more customers are choosing contactless and account-based payment options that make transit easier to use.
