MTD launches free rides for new wave service in Santa Barbara

The Isla Vista Community Services District (IVCSD) Board of Directors convened on April 22, 2025, to discuss the recent launch of the new transportation service known as "The Wave." The meeting focused on operational details, community engagement, and future enhancements to the service.

The session began with a presentation on The Wave, which is currently in a soft launch phase and will be free for users through the end of May. Board members expressed enthusiasm about the service, with one member noting their excitement to test it out over the weekend. The Wave aims to encourage residents to adopt car-free habits, aligning with the district's future parking enforcement initiatives.

A key point of discussion was the payment options for The Wave. While the service does not currently accept student IDs for free rides, there is potential for future discussions about vouchers to incentivize ridership. Board members highlighted the importance of making the service accessible, especially for trips to popular destinations like Trader Joe's.

The Wave operates with three vans, with two typically in service at any given time. Board members and attendees expressed appreciation for the efforts made to launch the service, acknowledging the challenges faced during its development. Suggestions for future improvements included adding more early morning trips to better accommodate community needs.

The meeting concluded with a distribution of informational materials about The Wave and its services, including QR codes for easy access to further details. Overall, the board's discussions reflected a commitment to enhancing transportation options in Isla Vista and fostering a community-oriented approach to mobility.