Santa Barbara MTD Launches “The Wave” Microtransit Service in Goleta and Isla Vista

Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District (MTD) is set to roll out its newest public transportation innovation, “The Wave,” offering flexible, on-demand microtransit service in parts of Goleta and Isla Vista. Funded via a pilot program, this curb-to-curb transportation service is designed to provide convenient, affordable, and accessible rides within a designated service zone.

MTD describes “microtransit” as a modern take on public transportation, blending the flexibility of rideshare apps with the reliability of a transit service. The Wave allows riders to book trips between any two points within its specified service zone. Passengers can schedule rides using the TransLoc app or by calling Santa Barbara MTD’s Customer Service Center at 805-963-3366.

Similar to rideshare platforms, riders input their pickup and drop-off locations, receive an estimated arrival time, and can track the van in real-time. The service is open to all members of the public, including children aged 14 and up who can ride independently if deemed ready by their parents. Passengers under 14 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

The initial service zone encompasses a defined area with boundaries at Patterson Avenue to the east, Cathedral Oaks Road to the north, Los Carneros Road to the west, and Highway 101 to the south. Housing developments and business parks south of the highway near Los Carneros are also included. Specific high-demand locations available for pickup/drop-off include:

• Goleta Amtrak Station
• Santa Barbara Airport
• UCSB Bus Loop
• Elings Hall stop
• Isla Vista Community Center
• El Colegio & Embarcadero del Mar outbound stop

Fares for The Wave are $3.00 per ride or $1.50 for seniors (65+) and people with disabilities. Riders can pay onboard using contactless payment methods (e.g., mobile wallets like Apple Pay or GPay, or contactless bank cards) or exact cash fare. Transfers to any regular MTD fixed-route bus within one hour are free, with drivers providing transfers upon request.

“The Wave” will operate Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with plans to expand service hours and days as resources become available. Riders can check for updated service hours via the TransLoc app or by visiting www.sbmtd.gov/thewave.

Additional Transit Updates from Santa Barbara MTD

Santa Barbara MTD has also announced enhancements to its broader transit system:

• Line 24x (UCSB Express) will add an extra inbound trip on weekdays during the evening rush hour to better serve passengers traveling from UCSB to Downtown Santa Barbara.
• The Tap2Ride payment system allows riders to conveniently pay fares using contactless bank cards or mobile wallets. This system features dynamic fare capping, ensuring that riders never spend more than the cost of a 30-day pass within a single month. Seniors over 65, Medicare card holders, and people with disabilities can enroll for discounted rates when using Tap2Ride.

Santa Barbara MTD recently hosted public outreach meetings to share service updates, gather feedback, and encourage residents to participate in an online survey about the proposed changes. Residents can find the survey and additional information at www.sbmtd.gov/servicechanges.