Fares and Passes - Mobile App

Everything you need to ride is on your phone!

When you download the app, you'll be using OC Bus Mobile 2.0, our most recent upgrade that is packed with improvements.

Just like the first version, all pass fares are available and can be used on all fixed route buses. OC Bus Mobile lets you purchase a single ride and multiple tickets for future use.

You can also make a purchase, manage your account, and view your purchase history by logging into your account online. LOGIN HERE

Version 2.0 Highlights

Redesigned interface
Purchase using Google Pay or Apple Pay
Easy repeat purchases
Simplified multi-rider tickets
Touch ID or Face ID security
Easy ticket transfer when upgrading phones
Larger buttons
New full-screen ticket and larger QR code

Available now!

Download and register in just minutes

Going mobile is not difficult. All you need is a smartphone and the desire to make life easier. Follow these simple steps to go mobile!

Download at the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Follow on-screen prompts to set-up account.
Enter your Reduced Fare ID (if eligible).
Register a debit card, credit card or PayPall account.

Your first purchase

You’ve downloaded the app and created an account, now you’re ready to purchase your first pass!

Select rider type.
Chose from Regular, Senior, Disabled/Medicare,College, or Youth rider.
Select pass and complete your first purchase.
Go to My Tickets section to find your purchases.

Visit the Validators section of this website for pass validation information.

Types of passes

Every paper ticket or pass you use is available through our mobile ticketing app. Simply purchase the passes you need and they will be there and waiting on your smartphone. Here’s a list of available passes:

Day passes
30-Day passes
College passes
Senior reduced fare passes
Disabled/Medicare fare passes
Express Bus passes
Youth 30-Day passes
OC Express passes

Welcome to version 2.0

We've made so many improvements to the OC Bus Mobile App it’s like a brand new app! Version 2.0 takes full advantage of your smartphone’s security and payment features, and lets you plan, pay and ride even easier. The following are highlights of the key features.

New Interface
Added payment options
TouchID and Face ID
Ticket flexibility

Brand new interface

The OC Bus Mobile App upgrade was redesigned to make navigation intuitive and simple, all to make your experience even better. Interface includes:

Simplified navigation
Bigger buttons
Even more intuitive
Full-screen ticket
Larger QR code for easy scanning
Easy to read ticket stub

Payment options

We've listened to our users and built more payment flexibility into version 2.0. Here are the top upgrades to our payment options.

Google Pay and Apple Pay accepted
Easy repeat purchases with Buy Again feature
Multiple credit cards

Multiple payment options

Repeat purchases made easy

Security features

Version 2.0 lets you take advantage of your smartphones Touch ID or Face ID security feature to purchase and use tickets

Ticket flexibility

Our new Ticket Hub gives you the ability to organize and see active and stored tickets much faster. Key ticket improvements include:

New ticket hub to organize stored tickets
Activated tickets appear in green for easy identification.
Easy ticket transfer when upgrading phones
Easily activate multiple tickets at once

Use the My Tickets section to stay organized

Screen prompts to help you confirm choices.

Validator instructions

Select pass or ticket in My Tickets section.
Activate your ticket by tapping Use Ticket.
Hold your phone at least 6 inches under the validator when blue screen appears.
Ticket has been validated when screen with checkmark appears.

Validator screens

The OC Bus Mobile validator will confirm what ticket or pass you are using. The blue screen indicates the validator is ready. Screens with checkmarks confirm validation. If your pass has expired you will get a red screen with an X.

Scanning Tips

The larger QR code on the ticket now makes it faster for our ticket validator to scan. Here are some quick tips to make boarding quick and easy.

Launch your app before you board.
Have your pass screen ready.
Hold the pass at least 6 inches directly under the scanner.
Wait for the scanner's green screen.
Board and enjoy the ride.

Frequently Asked Questions

APP Basics

Which phones and operating systems are supported?

iPhones running an operating system of 8.x and above, and Android phones running an operating system of 4.4 and above.

How do I set up my account?

There are three ways to create an account:

Launch the OC Bus Mobile Ticketing app – a prompt to create an account will appear.
If you attempt to make a purchase from within the OC Bus Mobile app without having set up an account, you will be prompted to create an account.
Visit our online portal, click "My Account" and set up your account online.

Why do I have to create an account?

An account is required so that OCTA can look up your account information to better serve you in case you encounter any difficulties. Plus, if you purchase day or monthly passes you'll be able to transfer your tickets to a different device if you lost or replaced your phone. Also, having an account makes it easier to pay for your next trip on OC Bus!

What is the difference between creating an account and signing in?

"Create an account" is for riders who are new to the OC Bus Mobile Ticketing app.

"Sign in" is for riders who have already created an account in the OC Bus Mobile Ticketing app.

How do I reset my password?

After signing in, click on "My Account" in the navigation drawer and you will find a prompt to change your password.

Do I have to use my real name when I create my account?

Users have the option of entering their real name or a nickname into the "full name" field when creating your account.

How do I change the name or email address associated with my account?

Visit our online portal. After signing in, select "My Account," and then select "Edit." Here you can edit all of the personal information associated with your account. Don't forget to select "Save Changes" when you are done! If you need assistance, call OC Bus Customer Information Center at 714-636-7433 (RIDE).

Can I use the same phone and/or phone number for multiple OC Bus Mobile Ticketing accounts?

No, the mobile phone number associated with an OC Bus Mobile Ticketing app account is a unique identifier, and can only be used with one OC Bus Mobile Ticketing app account.

Purchasing Tickets

Will I have to create an account to purchase a ticket?

Yes. All users must download the OC Bus Mobile Ticketing app and create an account in order to make a purchase. You can also make a purchase, manage your account, and view your purchase history by logging into our online portal. using your user name and password.

Do I need a debit/credit card to purchase tickets?

You must use a valid Visa, MasterCard or American Express card OR a PayPal account to purchase tickets using the OC Bus Mobile Ticketing app or our OCBus.transitsherpa.com. OC Bus Mobile Ticketing also accepts prepaid debit cards.

How do I add a debit/credit card to my account?

Adding a debit/credit card can only be done through the purchase process.

Can I store more than one debit/credit card?

Yes. You can add another card while making a purchase and selecting the "Add New Card" button when prompted for payment options. Your account can store up to three payment methods.

Can I use more than one debit/credit card on a transaction?

No, you cannot split payments between multiple debit/credit cards at this time. Each transaction can only be made using one payment card at a time.

How quickly is the payment processed?

Once the payment is authorized, the purchase is processed immediately.

What if my credit/debit card declines?

First, confirm you have the correct debit/credit card details registered, such as zip code and security code on the back. If these are correct, and the card still declined, you will need to contact your bank for further assistance.

Where is my personal information and debit/credit card information stored?

All personal and credit card information are stored on a securely encrypted Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliant server hosted by PayPal.

When should I purchase my tickets?

Tickets should be purchased any time before boarding an OC Bus, as long as you have a cellular network or wireless connection. When purchasing individual bus tickets, be aware that these tickets can be used up to 1 year after the original purchase date.

Do I need a wireless connection to purchase tickets or use a ticket?

Yes, you will need a cellular network or wireless connection to purchase tickets. However, once you have purchased tickets, you do not need a network or wireless connection to use a ticket because they are stored on your phone.

I did not receive a confirmation email when I purchased tickets, did my order go through?

Check your junk/spam email folder for the confirmation email. You should be able to see your purchase under "My Tickets" in the OC Bus Mobile Ticketing app (make sure to refresh the app) or online at online portal If the tickets do not appear under "My Tickets," you can check your "Order History" to confirm that the ticket purchase was processed.

I purchased tickets but have not used them yet. How long will they last?

All unused OC Bus tickets are valid up to one year after purchase.

How many tickets can I purchase at one time? How many tickets can be stored on the OC Bus Mobile Ticketing app?

Your OC Bus Mobile Ticketing app account can store up to 30 individual tickets, and customers can purchase up to 30 tickets at one time or up to a maximum of $375 at one time.

Is there a limit to the number of transactions I can make in one day?

The OC Bus Mobile Ticketing app allows customers to make a maximum of five transactions in a 24-hour period.

I am eligible for reduced fares; can I get reduced fares through the app?

Yes, you can purchase reduced college, senior and disabled fares on the OC Bus Mobile Ticketing app. You must have an OCTA issued College, Senior or Disabled Reduced Fare ID Card or electronic mobile number to access the reduced fares.

Using Tickets

How do I use a ticket?

Open the OC Bus Mobile Ticketing app on your phone, and select "My Tickets" from the menu to the left of the screen. Select any of the tickets listed under "Stored Tickets." A window will pop up. Select "Use Ticket."

If there are no tickets displayed, purchase tickets in the "Buy Tickets" menu. Once purchased, they will appear in your "My Tickets" menu.

When should I activate my tickets?

You should activate ("use") your purchased OC Bus mobile ticket right before entering any OC Bus. When prompted by the bus operator, please show your active ticket to the bus operator for visual validation.

If the bus operator requests that you activate the barcode on your ticket, tap on the barcode at the bottom right-hand corner of your active ticket. To remove the barcode, tap again at the bottom, right-hand corner of your active ticket.

How will I know my ticket is active?

You will see an animation of a moving OC Bus vehicle. The expiration date will display at the top of the ticket. Tapping on the left-facing arrow at the top left of your active ticket will return you to the "My Tickets" screen. Your active ticket will be shown at the top of the list under "Tickets in Use."

Do I need to enter the bus through the front door to use the OC Bus Mobile Ticketing app?

Yes, all passengers must enter the bus through the front doors at all times.

Can multiple tickets and fare types be purchased at one time?

Yes, you can purchase multiple tickets of a single fare or different fares by selecting the number of tickets for each fare type in the "Buy Tickets" menu. To purchase multiple tickets, select "Rider Type", then "Select Fare". Select your first fare, indicate how many tickets you want to purchase, then touch the "Buy More" button to repeat the process. When you are finished, select "Checkout".

Can I use multiple tickets at the same time on my device for family and friends?

Yes. Buying and using tickets for multiple riders on a single device is a great benefit of OC Bus Mobile Ticketing. When using multiple tickets, the ticket that you display to the bus operator will show which types of tickets and the number of tickets used for the group.

iOS Devices - Tap on the "Multiple Riders" toggle at the top of the screen in the "My Tickets" tab, then select the number and type of tickets needed for the group traveling with you. When first activating tickets, use the + to select and activate multiple tickets at one time. If using a day pass, go to "Tickets in Use", select Tap on the "Multiple Riders" toggle, and individually select the active tickets you wish to use and tap "Use Multiple".
Android Devices - Press and hold down on a ticket to select multiple tickets at once.

Will a bus operator or other OCTA personnel need to handle my device?

No. OCTA personnel are instructed not to touch a customer’s device. If a bus operator requests that you activate the QR-code on your ticket, tap on the small square QR-code icon at the bottom right-hand corner of your active ticket. To dismiss the QR-code, tap again at the bottom, right-hand corner of your active ticket. The QR-code embedded within the ticket is used by coach operators for proof of payment to verify valid bus fare.

If the ticket takes a long time to display, what should I do?

Some phones using older operating systems may not work as fast as newer phones. If you have an older phone, please be sure to give yourself plenty of time to activate the ticket before you enter an OC Bus. You should also check to make sure you don’t have too many applications open on your phone at one time. This can also impact the performance of the app.

Can I see how much time is left on the active ticket before it expires?

Yes, the expiration date and time is displayed on the top of the ticket. If your ticket expires and turns "gray" you may not board another OC Bus without activating a new ticket.

What if the ticket expires before I can use it?

In the event that this should occur you would be required to purchase another ticket for your travel, same as any other ticket.

How do I use the "interactive" feature of the ticket(s)?

Tap on the ticket and the ticket will change colors. Tapping again returns the ticket to its original state.

What if my device battery dies?

You are responsible for showing proof of valid fare upon request by a bus operator. Only a visible, active ticket will be considered a valid form of fare payment. If your phone battery dies and you are unable to display an active purchased OC Bus Mobile Ticket, you will be required to pay the cash fare.

Phone Related Questions

What should I do if I get a new phone?

OC Bus mobile tickets are stored on your phone, which makes it possible to use them without an Internet connection. Therefore, you will need to transfer any remaining tickets from your old phone to your online account before resetting your phone, uninstalling the OC Bus Mobile Ticketing app, or installing or logging into the app on a new device. Note: Active tickets cannot be transferred.

What should I do if I want to reset my phone or conduct a major upgrade?

Your tickets are stored on your phone, which makes it possible to use them without an Internet connection. Therefore, you will need to transfer any remaining tickets from your old phone to your online account before resetting or upgrading your phone. Note: Active tickets cannot be transferred.

How do I transfer tickets to another phone?

To transfer tickets to another phone, please follow the instructions below. Log into your account at online portal

Go to "My Account"
Select "My Tickets"
Select the device to transfer tickets from.
Select the device to transfer tickets to.
Select "Transfer Tickets"

NOTE: You will only be able to transfer tickets between phones one time during a 30-day period.

What should I do if my phone was lost or stolen?

If your phone was lost or stolen, call OC Bus Customer Information Center at 714-636-7433 (RIDE) for assistance with locking your phone and/or transferring tickets to a new phone.

What if I lost my device, or I purchased the wrong ticket? Can I get a refund?

No. OC Bus mobile tickets are non-refundable.

What if the app is unresponsive?

Try logging out of the app and logging back in. Then try powering off your phone and turning it back on. Do not delete the OC Bus Mobile Ticketing application. If you have stored tickets, deleting the application will also delete your tickets.

Online Purchases

If I purchase tickets via online portal can I use them on my phone?

Yes. When purchasing tickets via the online portal website, the tickets will automatically be downloaded to your phone.

I purchased tickets online at online portal but I do not see the tickets on my phone.

Upon completing a website purchase, if you do not immediately see the tickets in the My Tickets screen, refresh the screen, and your tickets will appear. If the tickets do not appear under "My Tickets", you can check your "Order History" on online portal, to confirm that the ticket purchase was processed.

College Pass and Fare ID

OC Bus Mobile is the quick and easy way to pay for and use your College Pass. The College Pass gets you unlimited rides to campus, work, shopping, the beach, and more on OC Bus, your safe, clean, convenient ride to all of OC and beyond. The OCTA College Fare ID is FREE and is good for the entire semester.

Applying for a College Fare ID?

Getting a College Fare ID is simple, as long as you are enrolled in 9 or more credit hours/units a semester or quarter at participating colleges. Follow these instructions to get your College Fare ID:

Have your eligibility document ready to upload. See fast facts below for more info.
Apply online here.
You will receive an email within 2 business days with your mobile College Fare ID number.
NOTE: This number will contain both numbers and letters.
Keep this email for reference.
Wait 15 minutes for account verification.
Go to Buy Tickets; choose a Rider Type; Select College Student.
You will now be able to purchase your College Pass.

College Fare ID Fast Facts

OCTA College Fare ID is good for the entire semester/quarter. All OCTA College Fare ID numbers will expire December 31 and June 30 of each year regardless of when the ID was issued. You must reapply each semester/quarter you are enrolled.
Eligibility Requirements for College Fare ID require the student be enrolled in 9 or more credit hours/units at the time of application at a public or private community college, college or university, and trade and/or technical school and provides one of the following documents during the application process.
Note: Document must clearly show the student name, school name, the start and end dates for classes as well as the total number of units/hours you are enrolled in.
Current registration fee/receipt
Computer printout showing enrollment and/or in-classroom hours
Current registration form or enrollment certificate

Senior Reduced Fare ID

OC Bus Mobile offers senior reduced fares. To qualify for purchasing these reduced fares on the app, you must have a valid OCTA Senior Reduced Fare ID card. See below for instructions on how to enter your number if you have a card, or how to obtain one.

Entering your OCTA Senior Reduced Fare ID

Go to your accounts page.
Enter your first and last name as they appear on your card.
Enter your OCTA Senior Reduced Fare ID number where it says REDUCED FARE ID. Make sure to enter the letter S before the ID number. (Note: the expiration date will automatically fill in).
Wait 15 minutes for account verification.
Go to Buy Tickets; select Rider Type: Senior

Applying for a Senior Reduced Fare ID

Have your eligibility document ready to upload. See fast facts below for more information.
Apply online here.
You will receive an email within 2 business days with your mobile Senior Reduced Fare ID number.
Enter your OCTA Senior Reduced Fare ID number where it says REDUCED FARE ID. Make sure to enter the letter S before the ID number. (Note: the expiration date will automatically fill in).
Wait 15 minutes for account verification.
Go to Buy Tickets; select Rider Type: Senior

Senior Reduced Fare ID Fast Facts

You must be 60 years or older to take advantage of reduced bus fares.
Eligibility Requirements require submitting an acceptable verification document showing you are at least 60 years of age. Note: Document must clearly show your name, birthdate and photo. Below is a list of acceptable verification documents:

Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) driver’s license or identification card
Passport showing vital information and photo
Birth certificate with photo (see photo guidelines below)
Medicare Identification Card (see photo guidelines below)
Other government issued identification (see photo guidelines below)

Photo Guidelines require a recent photograph to complete your application if you are submitting a non-photo from of eligibility (Medicare Identification Card or other government issued identification) or if you are requesting a physical card.
Photos must adhere to the following guidelines. Applications with photos that do not adhere to these guidelines will be denied.

Full face only, similar to a passport photo
No hats or sunglasses
Must use a plain white or off-white background only
A high resolution, color photograph is required

Disabled/Medicare Reduced Fare ID

OC Bus Mobile offers Disabled/Medicare reduced fares. To qualify for purchasing these reduced fares on the app, you must have a valid OCTA Reduced Fare ID card. See below for instructions on how to enter your number if you have a card, or how to obtain one.

Entering your OCTA Reduced Fare ID

Go to your accounts page.
Enter your first and last name as they appear on your card.
Enter your OCTA Reduced Fare ID number where it says REDUCED FARE ID. Make sure to enter the letter D before the ID number. (Note: the expiration date will automatically fill in).
Wait 15 minutes for account verification.
Go to Buy Tickets; select Rider Type: Disabled/Medicare

Applying for an OCTA Reduced Fare ID

You can apply for your OCTA Reduced Fare ID by mail or come to the OCTA Store in Orange to pick it up. For more details on applying, click here.

Getting Started