Student Life and Leadership

Bus Pass

What is the Fullerton College Pass Program?

The Pass Program is a partnership between Fullerton College and the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA). Students can ride the OCTA buses an unlimited number of times with the paid transportation fee each semester (must be registered in at least 0.5 units per semester).

More information can be found here.

How can I access the Fullerton College Bus Pass?

Students can access their bus pass through one of two methods:

  1. Digital Wave Card (Wave by OCTA App)
  2. Physical Wave Card

Note: Students can only access the bus pass through one of the methods listed above. Student Life and Leadership expressly recommends using the Wave by OCTA app on your mobile device.

Please view the links below for instructions on how to create a Wave account and access your Fullerton College Bus Pass through the new Wave by OCTA app:

Students who plan to use a Physical Wave Card must still create a Wave account through either the website or the mobile app. The steps used for the digital Wave card apply, with the additional step of linking a physical Wave card to the account.

Can I have both the Wave App and a physical Wave Card

No. Students can only access the bus pass through one method. Student Life and Leadership highly recommends using the digital bus pass on a mobile device through the Wave by OCTA app.

Does the Fullerton College Bus Pass work for Metro buses?

Unfortunately, the Fullerton College Bus Pass will only work for buses owned by the Orange County Transportation Authority, so it will not work for Metro buses nor buses owned by other associations.

It will also not work for OC Access buses as those are designated for individuals who require special accessibility.

What if I drop classes?

So long as you are registered (not waitlisted) in at least 0.5 units for the current semester, you will be able to access the Fullerton College Bus Pass. If you are not taking classes, or drop all your classes, your access will be discontinued.

Can I use the Pass Program even with an outstanding balance?

Yes, you will still be able to use the Fullerton College Bus Pass even with an outstanding balance.

Wave by OCTA App

How do I set up my Wave account?
  1. Download the Wave by OCTA app.
  2. Select Register. Fill out your information and make sure to use the email that is listed as “Primary” under your MyGateway account and the same password you use for MyGateway. To find out what your “Primary” email is, see the FAQ question below. A confirmation email will be sent with a link to verify your account.
  3. Sign into your new account.
  4. See the above Bus Pass section for instructions on how to add your bus pass to your account. 

Note: Changing the “Primary” email under your MyGateway account will remove the bus pass from your Wave account. Recreating your account with the updated “Primary” email will be necessary. However, the process of updating your email with OCTA can take up to 5 business days.

Students may also create an account using the Wave Website. This option is intended for students who are opting out of the digital pass on the Wave app and plan to use a physical Wave card.

What is my "Primary" email?

To see what email is listed under your account as your “Primary” email:

    1. Login to MyGateway
    2. In the Widget page, open “Contact Information” under the My Information menu
    3. View the email address labeled “Primary”
How can I recreate my account with the proper email?

On your Wave by OCTA App:

  1. Go to “Settings”
  2. Tap on “Your Profile”
  3. Tap on “Deactivate Account”

After you’ve deactivated your account, create a new account and make sure to use the “Primary” email that was listed under MyGateway. To see instructions on pulling up your “Primary” email, see the FAQ above.

I can't get the Wave by OCTA app. Is there any other option?

If you are unable to download the Wave by OCTA app, you may obtain a physical Wave card at any OCTA retailer. Click here to view the list of OCTA-approved retailers. Physical Wave card prices range from $2–$4, depending on the retailer. These cards are valid for up to 10 years and can be linked to your free Fullerton College Bus Pass. For additional information, please visit the Student Center (Room 214) during regular hours of operation.

HOWEVER, please note Student Life and Leadership expressly recommends downloading and using the OC Bus Pass on the Wave by OCTA app instead of obtaining a physical card for the following reasons:

  • Physical WAVE cards cost $2–$4, depending on the retailer, and Student Life and Leadership cannot assist with lost WAVE cards.

  • If a physical WAVE card is lost, the student is responsible for logging into the WAVE website, removing the card from their account, purchasing a replacement card, and linking the new card to their account.

Why does my Wave App say insufficient or low balance?

Students who have registered their Wave account and correctly linked their Fullerton College Bus Pass can ignore any “insufficient” or “low balance” notices that may appear within the app. These notifications are intended for individuals who load funds onto their personal Wave accounts. Since the Fullerton College Bus Pass is provided through the institution, these notices do not apply to students. OCTA is currently working on updating the wording for this notification.

Fees

What is this "Transportation Fee", and can I get it removed?

The Transportation Fee is a mandatory fee placed by Fullerton College on every actively enrolled student’s account to pay for the OCTA Bus Pass. In 2019, a referendum was held, and the student body voted to keep the Transportation Fee to cover the costs of providing public transportation for students. As this was a decision made by the student body, Student Life and Leadership cannot remove or waive the fee from your account.

However, this does mean that you can access the OCTA Bus Pass on the OC Bus App to ride the OC buses an unlimited number of times per semester.

Note: If you are under dual enrollment status, you may be exempt from the fee. Please see your dual enrollment officer for more information.

How much is the Transportation Fee?

Currently (as of Fall 2025), the Transportation Fee is $5.75 for full-time students, $5.00 for part-time students. The Transportation Fee is not charged during the Summer session or Winter intersession, only during the Fall and Spring semesters.