Key Card Holders

Trade in Your Card for 31 Free Rides

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    Why Switch to Digital?

    Now’s the perfect time to make your COTA experience simpler, more affordable and more convenient. For a limited time, Key Card customers who switch to a digital fare payment option — either the Transit app on your smartphone or a COTA Smartcard — will receive 31 free rides to get you started. It’s our way of making the transition easy and rewarding.

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    The Benefits of Going Digital

    Fare Capping Savings

    Digital fare payments cap your daily rides at $2.25 and monthly rides at $31, ensuring you always get the best rate.

    Quick and Easy Boarding

    With just a tap on your phone or Smartcard, boarding is faster and easier — no need to carry cash.

    Easy Account Management

    Check your balance, reload funds and view ride history at your convenience.

    Added Security

    Digital fare options keep your account secure and easy to access.

    How to Make the Switch

    Switching to digital fare payment is simple! Just follow these steps:

    1. Know Your Email Address and Password: Before visiting COTA with your Key Card, please ensure that you have access to a personal email address. You’ll need an email address to sign up for digital fare payment.
    2. Visit the Customer Experience Center: Bring your Key Card to COTA’s Customer Experience Center at 33 N. High St.
    3. Choose Your Digital Option: Our Customer Care Advocates will help you set up the Transit app or provide a COTA Smartcard that’s ready for you to use.
    4. Start Riding with 31 Free Rides: After the switch, you’ll have 31 free rides credited to your account, giving you time to enjoy the ease of digital fare.

    Get Started Today!

    Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enhance your COTA experience and save. Stop by our Customer Experience Center to trade in your Key Card, or contact COTA Customer Care at 614-228-1776 if you have any questions.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. What is the Transit app?
      The Transit app is a free app you can download to make paying your fare and planning your trips easier. With the Transit app, you can access real-time bus tracking, plan your routes and pay your fare directly from your phone — just tap and go! To get started, download the app from your smartphone’s app store.
    2. How do I set up a COTA account with the Transit app?
      Setting up a COTA account on the Transit app is simple. When you’re ready to switch to digital fare, you’ll need to know your email address and password, as you’ll use these to create your account. It’s best to have this information ready before you visit the Customer Experience Center, as our team will help you complete the setup.
    3. How do I set up a COTA account with a COTA Smartcard?
      If you prefer a physical card instead of the app, a COTA Smartcard is a great option. To set up a Smartcard, visit the Customer Experience Center, where our Customer Care Advocates will help you set up your COTA account. You’ll need to know your email address and password to create your account and link it to your Smartcard.
    4. Do I need to bring anything to trade in my Key Card?
      Yes, please bring your current Key Card to the Customer Experience Center at 33 N. High St. Our team will assist you in making the switch and will provide you with either a Transit app account or a COTA Smartcard, depending on your preference.
    5. How do the 31 free rides work?
      Once you’ve completed the switch to digital fare payment, 31 free rides will be credited to your new account. These rides are valid on all COTA fixed-route services and will automatically apply whenever you tap to ride.
    6. How do I add funds to my account?Reloading is easy with digital fare payment. You can add funds directly through the Transit app or COTA.com. If you prefer to pay with cash, you can add that to your account at the Customer Experience Center.
    7. I’m not sure about switching — is there support if I have questions?
      Absolutely! Our Customer Care Advocates at the Customer Experience Center are here to answer any questions you may have and to make sure you’re comfortable using your new digital fare option. You can also call Customer Care at 614-228-1776 for more information.
    8. What if I lose my COTA Smartcard or change my device?
      With digital fare options, your account is secure. If you lose your Smartcard, visit the Customer Experience Center, and we’ll help you replace it. If you change devices, simply log in to the Transit app with your email and password to restore your account information.