FAQ

Real-Time bus tracking is available on this site. Simply route your trip from your location to see the closest bus on our Trip Planner. This information is also available on third-party applications such as Google Maps, Apple Maps and TransitApp. Additionally, you may visit the Maps & Schedules tab of the trip planner for scheduled information. You may also call Customer Service at 614-228-1776.

Please visit the Find Bus Stops tab of the trip planner to find bus stops.

COTA buses are very safe. COTA’s number one priority is the safety and security of our passengers and employees. We use sanitizing methods that go above and beyond industry standards to help keep you healthy. Plus, every bus is equipped with security cameras for your safety. Visit the Safety and Security section for more information.

Yes, please visit the Rider and Service Alerts page to sign up for notifications. COTA adjusts services every January, May and September. Look for Commuter Bulletins at the front of the bus and at stops. You may call (614) 228-1776 to request a Service Change Book.

Yes. For your safety and the safety of other passengers, please fold the stroller or pull cart to keep the aisle clear for all passengers. COTA stroller policy.

Only beverages in hard-sided cups with fixed lids can be brought on the bus. Coolers or groceries are permitted on the bus so long as they do not block the aisle and are secure. Thank you for keeping our buses clean.

To report a lost item, call 614-228-4112.

Yes. Please visit the Bike & Bus section of our How to Ride page for more information.

Service changes are adjustments to COTA service that happen three times a year after public input. Please visit the Service Improvements page for more information.

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is bus transit technology that offers improved service, limited stops, faster travel times and other improvements in high capacity transit corridors. Visit the CMAX (Bus Rapid Transit) page for more information.

Seats at the front of the bus are for seniors and riders with disabilities. Please keep these seats free or offer your seat to those who need it, or upon request of the operator.

COTA currently has bus pass programs with The Ohio State University, Capital University, Columbus City Schools and Columbus College of Art and Design. Visit the Fare Overview page for more information.

We offer Standard, Frequent and Rush Hour Fares as well as a variety of passes, multi trip tickets, and special passes and discounts. Please visit the Fare Overview page to learn more.

We offer 7-Day Passes, 31-Day Passes, Monthly Mainstream, Summer Youth Passes, OSU Opt-In Passes, as well as 2,5 and 10 ride multi trip tickets for Standard, Frequent, Rush-Hour and Discount passengers. Visit the Fare Overview page for more information.

Ask your bus operator for transfers when you board the bus. Customers who purchase a single-trip bus fare can transfer to another bus line of the same type or same line in the same direction without charge. Transfers are valid for two hours from time of issue. Transfers between bus types, such as from a Standard or Frequent route to a Rush Hour route are subject to an additional $0.75 cent fee.

You can purchase a pass at these COTA Pass Outlets. Bus passes are currently not available for purchase online at this time. Look for an announcement later this year for the introduction of this feature.

COTA offers reduced fare for seniors, children and riders with disabilities. Visit the Discount Fares section of the website for more information.

When the Franklin County Sheriff declares a Level 2 or Level 3 Snow Emergency, COTA assists in keeping the roads clear of congestion by providing free fares. This free fare policy is in effect for the entire day once a snow emergency is declared and will be announced in Rider and Service Alerts.

Yes. Si. Oui. Ja. This site translates all of the information into multiple languages. Simply choose the Google Translate icon on the main menu and select your language. Rider guides in Spanish, Somali, and Nepali are available on the Title VI page.

Yes. Fixed-route buses have the ability to lower to the curb to make boarding easier, and ramps extend to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility devices. Stops are announced and displayed on-board in fixed-route buses, so you know the next bus stop. Paratransit service is scheduled, so you always know where you are going. Visit the Accessibility for Riders with disabilities for more information.

Yes. Service animals are welcome on both fixed-route and paratransit vehicles. One Personal Care Attendant (PCA) boards free on fixed-route buses with valid COTA ID card. The PCA box must be marked “YES” on the COTA ID for the PCA free ride. Visit Accessible Services page for information on how to obtain the COTA ID card.

In addition to making our fixed-route vehicles and services accessible, COTA also provides paratransit services. Please visit the Accessible Services page section for more information.

COTA offers reduced fares for seniors, children, and riders with disabilities, including veterans and Medicare recipients. Visit the Fare Overview page to learn about all of our fare types including reduced fares.

COTA hires qualified candidates as bus operators, mechanics, coach cleaners, customer service representatives, transportation services supervisors, administrative staff (clerical, accounting, human resources, information technology, operations, planning, procurement) and for management positions.

Check out our open positions.

Yes, COTA is an Equal Opportunity employer.

Yes. Contact Lost & Found at 614-228-4112.

For more information, please visit the How to Ride page.

A COTA Transit Center is a hub for multiple COTA lines. Our five Transit Centers are located at:

• Easton – 4260 Stelzer Rd.
• Linden – Cleveland and 11th Ave.
• Northland – 5495 Cleveland Ave
• North Terminal – 33 West Spring Street.
• South Terminal – 1125 E. Main St.

COTA maintains more than 350 shelters and over 3,500 bus stops.

COTA Administration Offices are located at 33 N. High Street, Columbus, OH 43215.

Taking good care of the environment is important to COTA. To learn more, please visit the Caring for the Environment section of the website.

From improving our current service to investing in rapid transit, COTA actively works on ways to make our community better. Visit the Long Range Plans page to learn more.

We welcome your suggestions to improve COTA. Each year, COTA participates in over 300 outreach activities. Outreach activities include holding community leaders roundtable discussions; delivering presentations to neighborhood groups, business and civic organizations and participating in one-on-one and group meetings with stakeholders. We look forward to seeing you at a public meeting or www.cota.com/contact/contact-information. Your feedback makes COTA better and helps our community move forward.

To register to do business with COTA, please visit the Vendors page to create an account, or login to view solicitations.

Once you receive your Vendor ID from COTA, go to the Open Solicitations page to view and download our Request for Proposals (RFP), Request for Bids (RFB). Directions for responding are listed in each solicitation document.

Please visit the Open Solicitations page for more information about current opportunities.

To retrieve your login ID, please send your request via email to purchasing@cota.com. Please include your company name and all contact information so your account may be verified and the account sent to the email on file.

In accordance with the U.S. Department of Transportation, DBE regulations, it is COTA’s policy to utilize ready, willing, and able disadvantaged and small businesses and to use the best efforts possible to level the playing field in the market place by ensuring these firms have the opportunity to participate in the procurement process. Please visit the DBE Program page for more information.

COTA recognizes three other local agencies’ certifications: Ohio Department of Transportation – DBE, City of Columbus – MBE/FBE and Ohio Department of Administrative Services – MBE

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS, pronounced Nakes) was developed as the standard for use by Federal statistical agencies in classifying business establishments for the collection, analysis and publication of statistical data related to the business economy of the U.S. Visit the NAICS website to search for your codes.

To be added to a Bidder’s List, e-mail your request to purchasing@cota.com. Please include your company name and all contact information, along with the name of the solicitation or initiative you are referencing.