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ClearInsight News

Is Cota still free?

Author

William Jenkins

Published Mar 03, 2026

Is Cota still free?

The Central Ohio Transit Authority plans to maintain free bus service for riders for the foreseeable future, possibly through the end of the year, even as it struggles with less revenue.

Also know, how much does Cota cost?

How do I apply for a Reduced Fare Key Card to Ride Fixed-Route Service

Fare OptionStandard FareReduced Fare
One-Way Fare$2.00$1.00
DayPass$4.50$2.25
31-Day Pass$62.00$31.00

One may also ask, how late do COTA buses run? CBUS will operate on these summer holidays: Memorial Day: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Catch the CBUS.

CotaCota
Monday-Thursday7 a.m.-10 p.m.
Friday7 a.m.-12 a.m.
Saturday9 a.m.-12 a.m.
Sunday10:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

Consequently, are COTA buses still running?

COTA Will Return to Fares Beginning January 11

12/08/2020 – COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) will soon reinstate fares for customers after temporarily suspending them at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Do COTA buses take credit cards?

The Central Ohio Transit Authority has introduced COTA Connector, a new app that allows riders to transfer money from credit and debit cards and bank accounts on to the app so they can use it to pay bus fares. Downtown, or by ordering one through COTA.com or the agency's customer service line at 614-228-1776.

Where can I buy COTA bus passes?

Purchase COTA passes at any of the following locations
  • COTA's Office, 33 N. High St.
  • COTA North Terminal, 33 W. Spring St. ( Credit Cards only)
  • John Glenn International Airport – AirConnect bus stop located outside of “Arrivals” (Credit Cards only)

How do I pay my COTA bus?

By linking their Connector account to a bank, credit union or credit card, money can be automatically loaded to a rider's Connector Card or Connector App as well. Riders can then use the Connector App, scanning it on the bus fare box and money is deducted from the Connector account to pay for the ride.

How do you use a Cota?

Riding COTA
  1. Plan Ahead. Know where you want to go and when. Use Trip Planner to plan a trip. View Bus Stops to find stops near your location.
  2. Pay the Fare. Pay Cash. You must have exact cash fare. Drivers do not carry change.
  3. Signal to Stop. Signal to stop by pulling the yellow cord above the window. Stops are announced ahead of time.

What is Cota day?

COTA day is designed to allow time for teachers to enhance their professional development goals through workshops, community services opportunities, programs, speakers, etc. This day serves to enhance the ongoing learning that our teachers participate in on a daily basis.

What is Cota plus?

First launched in Grove City in July 2019, COTA//Plus is a service where customers can request on-demand rides via our mobile app. Similar to ride-hail services, COTA//Plus transports customers from point A to point B.

What is a Cota?

A COTA, or Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, does all the duties of an OTA, but has taken an extra step to get certified in their field. Specifically, they registered with the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) and completed the necessary certification exam.

How much is a bus pass in Columbus Ohio?

Independence at Half the Price
Fare OptionStandard PriceSenior Price
One-way fare$2.00$1.00
DayPass$4.50$2.25
31-Day Pass$62.00$31.00

Is Cota free for OSU students?

COTA Connects You

Semester fee of $13.50 (included in tuition for unlimited bus rides. Students must be enrolled for the semester to receive this rate). Opt-in passes are available for OSU student who aren't enrolled for the semester for $62. Unlimited access to COTA's bus system by swiping student ID when boarding.

Does Cota run on Christmas?

COTA operates Holiday/Sunday Service in observance of the following holidays throughout the year: New Year's, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Where is Central Ohio located?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Columbus, Ohio Metropolitan Statistical Area includes the counties of Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, Hocking, Licking, Madison, Morrow, Perry, Pickaway, and Union.

Columbus metropolitan area, Ohio.

Central Ohio
Coordinates: 40°N 83°W
CountryUnited States
State(s)Ohio
Largest cityColumbus

Does Columbus Ohio have public transportation?

Public transit has taken numerous forms in Columbus, the largest city and capital of Ohio. Transit has variously used passenger trains, horsecars, streetcars, interurbans, trolley coaches, and buses.

Does Ohio have public transportation?

There are no public transportation services in 27 of Ohio's 88 counties; this represents about 9 percent of the state's total population. Without public transportation, only people participating in specific programs for the highest need individuals are able to reach essential services without a personal vehicle.