COTA TO WAIVE ALL FARES WEDNESDAY DUE TO HEAT ADVISORY
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) will offer free fares system-wide on Wednesday, July 15, due to the National Weather Service issuing a heat advisory.
COTA suspends fares on all transit vehicles on all routes when the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Wilmington, Ohio, issues heat or cold advisories or warnings due to extreme temperatures.
A Heat Advisory is issued within 12 hours of the onset of extremely dangerous heat conditions. An advisory is generally issued when the maximum heat index temperature is expected to reach 100°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 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.
