COTA Takes Initial Step to Direct Transit Service Based on Community Need

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) announced today it will evaluate the mobility needs of the community and direct service to meet those needs. In order to enable the organization to do this, COTA leadership, with the support of COTA Board of Trustees Chair Trudy Bartley, has declared a state of emergency. The declaration, effective immediately, was made after similar action was taken by the State of Ohio and City of Columbus.

Joanna M. Pinkerton, President/CEO of COTA issued the following statement in response:

“The current environment requires us to take this important operational step that allows us to proactively address the mobility needs of the community and ensures our transit resources are directed where critical needs arise. Our leadership team meets daily to assess the situation with input from neighborhoods, local, state and federal leaders. As of today, current service continues. However, we are nimble enough to modify service to focus on community priorities as they arise. The flexibility to operate in this manner is important as we move forward to ensure a healthy and safe community.”

Customers with questions can call the COTA Customer Information Center at 614-228-1776.