COTA TO EXTEND FREE FARES THROUGH JULY 3 AFTER NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE ANNOUNCES EXTREME HEAT WARNING

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) will extend free fares system-wide through July 3 due to the National Weather Service Forecast Office issuing an extreme heat warning in Franklin County.

COTA fares are currently waived due to the current heat advisory, so this will now continue Thursday and Friday. This includes Red, White and Boom, which provides local and standard line service until midnight.

COTA suspends fares on all transit vehicles on all routes in the event the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Wilmington, Ohio, issues either heat or cold advisories or warnings due to extreme temperatures.

• Extreme Heat Warning is issued within 12 hours of the onset of extremely dangerous heat conditions. This is when the maximum heat index temperature is expected to be 105F or higher for at least 2 days, and nighttime air temperatures will not drop below 75F.

COTA offers this community service to provide those who need to reduce exposure to extreme temperatures with a safe, reliable means of transportation to facilities that provide relief, including warming and cooling centers, libraries, recreation centers, and other places of shelter.

The no-fare policy will be in effect for the entire service day on the date listed above. The policy includes all transit vehicles, including fixed-route (buses), Mainstream, and COTA//Plus. Customers can plan their trips at COTA.com, using the Transit app, or by calling the COTA Customer Care Center at 614-228-1776. Customer Care and the downtown Customer Experience Center will be open during regular business hours.