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What’s The Wave?
The Wave is the name for Santa Barbara MTD’s flexible on demand microtransit service. Santa Barbara MTD has funding to pilot this service for a limited time.
Watch the how-to video below for simple, easy set-up of the Transloc app
What is microtransit?
Microtransit is a flexible, on-demand, curb-to-curb service providing trips between any two points in a specified zone for a flat fare. Riders order a ride on the Transloc app, or by calling MTD’s Customer Service Center. Much like a rideshare app, the rider will make a ride reservation by selecting their pick-up and drop-off locations within the service zone.
Who can ride this service?
This service is open to the general public, not just seniors and people with disabilities. Children 14 and over can ride The Wave unaccompanied. It is up to parents to determine if their teen is ready to ride alone. All passengers under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult. ALL CHILDREN MUST be “properly secured…in an appropriate child passenger restraint system or safety belt meeting applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards.” Per California vehicle code 27360.5, if a child age 8 through 15 needs a booster to fit the seat belt correctly, they need one to ride The Wave. In compliance with California law, all passengers under age 8 must ride in an appropriate Child Restraint System (CRS), such as a safety seat or booster; and all passengers under age 2 must ride in an appropriate rear-facing safety seat. Caregivers must provide an appropriate safety seat and install it in the vehicle. Unfortunately, while drivers can provide information about LATCH attachment points, they cannot assist caregivers with installation.
Where does it serve?
The zone includes an area bounded by Patterson to the east, Cathedral Oaks to the north, Los Carneros to the west, and 101 to the South. The housing and business park areas on either side of Los Carneros south of the freeway are also included.
Additionally, specific points at the following locations are available for drop off or pickup: Goleta Amtrak Station, Santa Barbara Airport, UCSB Bus Loop, Elings Hall stop, Isla Vista Community Center and El Colegio & Embarcadero del Mar outbound stop.
To see a full size map of the pickup areas, click here.
How much is the fare and how do you pay?
The standard fare is $3.00, and is $1.50 for seniors 65+ and people with disabilities. Microtransit riders transfer free to any MTD fixed route within one hour and will be provided a transfer by the driver upon request. Riders pay via contactless payment using a mobile wallet or contactless bank card. Cash fares with exact change are accepted upon boarding. Fares may not be pre-paid.
When does it operate?
The initial pilot program service hours will be 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Tuesday – Saturday and are subject to change pending MTD Operator availability. Service hours will be updated on The Wave website and on the TransLoc app, including any future extension of service hours or additional days.
How do I book a ride?
Download the TransLoc app or call the Transit Center to book a ride:
805-963-3366.
Watch the video below for a step by step on how-to-ride The Wave from start to finish
Frequently Asked Questions
Pick-up and drop-off will be available within the mapped zones or designated pick-up points. Pickup and destination locations must be on streets that are safe and drivable.
Your ride booking will specify a time window for pickup based on service demand and vehicle availability. We advise you to reach your pick-up point 5-minutes before your pick-up window. As it gets closer to the time of your ride, you will receive an updated ETA. You will also receive a notification when your vehicle as arrived. Updates are set via the TransLoc app.
All reservations and changes may be made using the TransLoc app, or by calling MTD’s Customer Service Center during regular business hours at 805-963-3366.
The Wave uses the TransLoc app for turn-by-turn directions for safe and efficient navigation to pick-up and drop-off locations.
The driver will have your exact location based on the information you provided when you scheduled your pick-up. We advise you to reach your pick-up point 5-minutes before your pick-up window. If you miss your ride or believe the driver was unable to locate you, you may call MTD’s Customer Service Center during regular business hours at 805-963-3366.
The Wave van does not have a bike rack and bikes, along with surfboards and large objects, may not be brought aboard The Wave van for safety and due to space limitations. E-scooters and hoverboards are prohibited. Skateboards must be held or placed on the floor out of the aisle with the wheels up.
No eating or drinking is allowed on The Wave. Exceptions may be made for medical conditions.
MTD’s Safety Rules for passengers pertain to all modes of MTD transit services. See “Safety Rules” for more information at: https://sbmtd.gov/plan-your-trip/getting-around/
You will receive a notification when your vehicle has arrived to pick you up. As a courtesy to your co-riders, the driver will wait no more than two minutes. To stay on schedule, the vehicle will depart if you do not show up within the 2-minute waiting period.
Service animals are always welcome on all MTD transit services, including The Wave, as required by law. All service animals must be under the control of their owner and either sit on the floor out of the aisle or be held on the passenger’s lap. Small pets are allowed on MTD transit services in approved carriers only.
For your safety and that of your fellow passengers, The Wave requires all passengers to always wear both the lap belt and shoulder belts, in compliance with applicable state laws. If you need help with your seatbelt, please ask the driver for assistance.
You may call MTD’s Customer Service Center during regular business hours at 805-963-3366.
Call 805-963-3366 to schedule your trip through MTD’s Customer Service Center. The agent will be able to give you an estimated vehicle arrival time, along with confirming your pick-up and drop-off locations.
The Wave vehicles, like MTD buses, have distinctive coloring and graphics. In addition, the app notifications will provide the vehicle number you are expecting as your ride approaches. MTD drivers will be in an MTD uniform and have MTD ID Badges.
The Wave vehicles are equipped with wheelchair ramps and can accommodate wheelchairs and three-wheeled scooters that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines. Each Wave vehicle can accommodate one mobility device at a time.