The Wave, Santa Barbara MTD’s on-demand microtransit service, surged into Carpinteria Sept. 16, with a service area that includes much of the city of Carpinteria, plus select adjacent unincorporated areas of Santa Barbara County, including Santa Claus Lane.
Microtransit is a flexible, curb-to-curb service providing trips between any two points within a specified zone for a flat fare using an accessible van.
The Wave first launched in Goleta and Isla Vista in April 2025.
Riders order a ride using the TransLoc app or by calling MTD’s Customer Service Center, 805-963-3366.
Similar to a ride-share app, customers make a reservation by selecting their pick-up and drop-off locations within the service zone. Rides can be booked in the moment or up to a week in advance.
The Carpinteria service zone allows riders to request on-demand trips throughout the area, connecting downtown Carpinteria, surrounding neighborhoods, Santa Claus Lane, and other destinations within the zone.
Pick-up and drop-off sites must be on streets that are safe and drivable. Full details, a map of the service area, and frequently asked questions can be found at sbmtd.gov/thewave.
The Wave’s Carpinteria service is currently operating 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.
Rides are complementary for an introductory period, but starting Nov. 1, the regular one-way fare will be $3; seniors ages 65-plus and people with disabilities pay $1.50.
Payment is accepted by cash with exact change, debit or credit card, or a contactless-enabled mobile wallet.
Riders can transfer for free from The Wave to any MTD fixed-route bus within 60 minutes and can request a transfer from the driver.
The Wave vehicles are equipped with wheelchair ramps and can accommodate qualifying wheelchairs and three-wheeled scooters.
The expansion into Carpinteria marks the next phase of The Wave pilot program as MTD continues to explore flexible, on-demand transportation options for communities throughout the South Coast, MTD officials said.
The Wave is funded by one-time grant funds from the State of California’s Low-Carbon Transit Operations Program.