C-Pass Program

As an employer-sponsored benefit, and thanks to a partnership between COTA, the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, downtown property owners of the Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District, and the Short North Alliance, eligible workers can use their C-pass any day, any time, and on any route, at no additional cost to them.

For downtown workers, you can get a C-pass if your employer is participating and you work in eligible buildings within the Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District. Some, though not all, Franklin County and City of Columbus employees also qualify. To verify your eligibility, check with your employer or HR representative and check the list of eligible addresses. You can also contact a C-pass representative at 614-591-4184 or info@downtowncpass.com.

For Short North workers, applicants must be an employee at a Short North Arts District business within the eligible area or be a resident of the Short North Arts District in the eligible area. ( Click here for eligibility map.)

For downtown workers, employees should contact their Human Resources manager to register. Employers interested in signing up employees can get started by registering on the secure member portal.

For Short North workers, applicants must complete this form.

Downtown C-pass customers need a special C-pass credential. When your company account manager creates your C-pass account, they can enable your C-pass credential by choosing a COTA photo ID or smartphone option. The photo ID option requires you to pick up your Smartcard and the smartphone option requires downloading the COTA Connector app on your Android or Apple device.

Short North C-pass customers must download the Transit app and create a COTA account to participate.

Refunds will not be issued for monthly passes.

Yes, you can. Simply notify your company account manager, and they will remove you from the member portal.

Your Downtown C-pass will be active through December 31, 2025, as long as you are working for an eligible employer.

Funds added to Short North Transit app accounts for C-pass do not expire.

Your Downtown C-pass will be deactivated on your last day of employment with an eligible company. If you begin employment with another eligible employer in downtown Columbus, your new employer will need to create a new account for you.

Funds added to Short North Transit app accounts for C-pass do not expire.

No. Only the eligible employee can use C-pass.

You can use the Emergency Ride Home program, a free service that assures commuters they won’t be stranded at work in the case of an emergency, illness or unexpected overtime.

For those interested in the downtown C-pass, visit downtowncpass.com or call 614-591-4184 to speak with a C-pass representative.

For those interested in the Short North C-pass, visit shortnorth.org/cpass or email info@shortnorth.org.

You can check with your Human Resources department to see if your company offers a pre-tax payroll deduction for COTA passes.

IRS Regulation 132 offers substantial dollar savings to transit riders on their daily commute costs. These savings come from federal, state and FICA taxes that are not assessed on transit costs when paid by employees on a pre-tax basis. The IRS establishes employers as the gatekeeper for this federally approved program. Employers must deduct the cost of the pass each month from the employee’s paycheck.