COTA: Free Fares to End This Summer, Shift to Cashless Payment Planned

The free fare policy that was implemented this spring by the Central Ohio Transit Authority in response to the COVID-19 pandemic will likely come to an end this summer, although exactly how the transition back to full fares will work is not yet clear. One thing that is known is that cash payment will not […]
COTA to Resume Bus Service Downtown on Tuesday

COTA will resume its regular fixed-route bus service in the Downtown area starting Tuesday, June 9. The state of emergency declared by the Columbus Division of Police due to ongoing protests has kept buses rerouted out of the Downtown area since Saturday, May 30. The reroutes have impacted lines 1 through 12, line 102 and […]
COTA Responds to Complaints About Reroutes, Transporting Officers

Bus riders looking for service to or from Downtown have been out of luck since Saturday, May 30, and it’s not clear when service will resume. Jeff Pullin, Public Information Officer for the Central Ohio Transit Authority, said that the rerouting of buses around Downtown will continue at least through tomorrow, when more protests are […]
Updated: COTA Restores Some Previously Cut Service

UPDATE (5/4/2020): One week after announcing the suspension of early morning and late night service (see article below), COTA announced on May 2 that it will be restoring early morning service to six high-frequency lines. Starting on May 5, Lines 1, 2, 8, 10, 22 and the CMAX will start running at 5 a.m. Late […]
COTA to Require Passengers to Wear Masks

Starting on Wednesday, April 15, the Central Ohio Transit Authority will be requiring all riders to wear face masks. Scarves, bandanas, and homemade masks are all considered appropriate for use, as long as they securely cover the mouth and nose. “We are determined to take every step we can in order to protect the health […]
COTA Implementing New Protections for Drivers, But Some Still Don’t Feel Safe

Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, the Central Ohio Transit Authority has sought to meet two very different sets of expectations to fulfill its mission – the agency needed to quickly implement new policies to limit the risk of exposure to its drivers and passengers, while at the same time continuing to provide an […]
For Essential Travel, COTA and CoGo Are Still Available (But Scooters Aren’t)

Keep up with regular news updates regarding Columbus and Ohio’s response to COVID-19 here. The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) announced more service adjustments yesterday. The agency announced its first Coronavirus-related changes on March 16, cutting back service on several suburban rush hour lines. Three days later COTA’s board approved making all bus rides free, and […]