What is the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves? transverse waves always have greater frequencies than do longitudinal waves. transverse waves always travel at smaller speeds than do longitudinal waves. in a transverse wave the disturbance always occurs perpendicular to the direction in which the wave travels, whereas in a longitudinal wave the disturbance always occurs parallel to the line of travel of the wave. in a transverse wave the disturbance always occurs parallel to the line of travel of the wave, whereas in a longitudinal wave the disturbance always occurs perpendicular to the direction in which the wave travels. transverse waves always carry more energy than do longitudinal waves.