COTA Bus Fares & Passes
How to Pay for COTA Services
We offer a range of services and ways to pay to make it easy to get to and from your destination. From exact cash to digital payments, you can choose what works best for you.
OUR FARES
COTA bus fare is determined by which type of service you are taking. Types of service include:
- Standard – operates throughout the day, every 16 minutes to 60 minutes
- Frequent – operates throughout the day, every 15 minutes or less
- Rush Hour – operates Monday-Friday, 6:30-9 a.m. and 3-6 p.m.
| Trip Fare Rates | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Two-hour Passes Free transfers valid for two hours |
Day Pass Valid until midnight |
31-Day Pass | |
| Standard, Frequent, & Rush Hour | $2.00 | $4.50 | $62.00 |
| Children Ages 5-12 Ages 4 and under ride at no cost |
$1.00 | $2.25 | $31.00 |
| Reduced rate fares Available for qualifying customers |
$1.00 | $2.25 | $31.00 |
| With ADA Card | No Cost | No Cost | No Cost |
Paying in Cash?
Remember to ask your Operator for a transfer pass. Passes are automatically applied to payments made with the Transit App or Smartcards.
PAY WITH THE TRANSIT APP
Plan, track and pay for COTA rides from your smartphone with the Transit app. And, when you upgrade to Transit Royale at no additional cost, you’ll get extra features like the ability to provide real-time feedback with the GO feature, which helps us improve everyone’s experience.
Adding Funds to Transit App
- Add them digitally through our online portal
- Bring cash to the COTA Customer Experience Center
- Bring cash to a retail location
Included Benefits and Features
- Only pay for what you use with fare capping (up to $4.50/day or $62/month)
- Unused funds roll over to the next month
- Easily load money using cash, debit or credit card or use Apple and Google Pay
- Schedule and plan your rides with real-time tracking and real-time feedback. Simplified transfers within a two-hour timespan.
COTA SMARTCARDS
The Equitable Way to Pay
COTA Smartcards allow customers to access benefits like fare capping – never pay more than $4.50 per day or $62 per calendar month – and simplified transfers for no cost within a two-hour time span through our equitable fare payment system without needing a smartphone.
Getting a Smartcard is simple and costs nothing:
- Visit the Customer Experience Center at 33 N. High St.
- Speak with a member of Team COTA to get your Smartcard.
- Our team will help you set up your account online and register.
- When you’re ready to ride, add funds to your Smartcard digitally or at a retail location by handing your card and funds to the cashier.
If your Smartcard is lost or stolen, you can only recover funds from your COTA account if your card was registered. Those who lose unregistered Smartcards cannot recover the funds they loaded onto their COTA account. There is a $3 replacement fee for Smartcards.
Going Cashless
Payment options like the Transit app and COTA Smartcard are helping us reduce paper waste! Join us in our mission to go paperless and cashless for a more sustainable experience by downloading the Transit app today.
Reduced Fares
Qualifying customers can ride COTA’s fixed-route service at half price – just present your COTA discount ID card when boarding.
To get your discount ID card you must:
- Apply in person at COTA’s Customer Experience Center (33 N. High St.), Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
- If you use the Transit app or a COTA Smartcard, reload your COTA account as needed from your computer or smartphone. Customers may also buy Discount Passes at the Customer Experience Center or a participating pass outlet.
- Ride with your Transit app, COTA Smartcard, discount ID or Discount Pass for reduced fare.
Who Qualifies for Reduced Fares?
- People 65 and older with senior ID
- Persons with disabilities who are “unable without special facilities or special planning or design to utilize public transportation facilities and services effectively,” according to Federal and State law – learn more about accessibility services
- Medicare card holders with a Key ID – apply now for a Key ID
- Qualified Veterans with a Key ID
- Qualified students at schools including the Ohio State University ( faculty eligible for some discounts, too ), Capital University, Columbus College of Art and Design, Columbus City Schools and more through the Educational Pass Program
-
Income Assistance Program customers who have participated in any of the following programs in the last 12 months:
- SNAP food assistance
- Publicly funded childcare
- Ohio Works First cash assistance
- Prevention, Retention and Contingency emergency assistance
- Medicaid
- Temporary Assistance to Needy Families
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
For more specifications and information, visit our discounts page .
Downtown C-pass Program
If your office is located in Downtown Columbus in the Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District , your company may also be eligible for the Downtown C-pass , which allows workers to use COTA at no additional cost to them. Learn more.
Pre-Tax Passes
Check with your Human Resources Department to see if your company offers a pre-tax payroll deduction for COTA passes. Learn more.
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 accessed 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.
Refund Policy and Procedures
All sales are final. No refunds will be provided for any passes (paper and/or electronic) or stored value remaining on a COTA account (mobile/Smartcard).
BUYING COTA PASSES
COTA offers multiple ways to pay your fare, from the Transit app to the Uber app to paper passes. You can purchase COTA passes and add funds to your COTA account at more than 400 locations including offices, ticket vending machines and retail locations. Search for a retail location near you:
- VIDAPAY locations
- VanillaDirect locations
| Type | Location(s) | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Experience Center & Guest Services | 33 North High Street, Columbus, 43215 | 614-228-1776 |
| Ticket Vending Machines | Easton Transit Center, 4260 Stelzer Road, Columbus, 43230 | 614-228-1776 |
| 33 North High Street, Columbus, 43215 | 614-228-1776 | |
| South Terminal, Rich St, Columbus, 43215 | 614-228-1776 | |
| John Glenn International Airport (Arrivals), 4600 International Gateway, Columbus, 43219 | 614-228-1776 | |
| Spring Street Terminal, 33 W Spring St, Columbus, 43215 | 614-228-1776 | |
| Northland Transit Center, 5495 Cleveland Ave, Columbus, 43231 | 614-228-1776 | |
| Kroger Locations (CASH ONLY) | 1350 N. High St., Columbus, 43201 | 614-294-5684 |
| 2990 Crown Plaza, Columbus, 43220 | 614-326-5645 | |
| 2000 E. Main St., Columbus, 43209 | 614-252-0761 | |
| 3600 Soldana Blvd., Columbus, 43228 | 614-279-8989 | |
| 3417 N. High St., Columbus, 43214 | 614-263-1766 | |
| 2161 Eakin Rd., Columbus, 43223 | 614-274-7717 | |
| 199 Graceland Blvd., Columbus, 43214 | 614-410-1095 | |
| 1955 W. Henderson Rd., Columbus, 43220 | 614-457-1825 | |
| 2525 Hilliard-Rome Rd., Columbus, 43026 | 614-771-4174 | |
| 3675 E. Broad St., Columbus, 43213 | 614-237-0076 | |
| 1745 Morse Rd., Columbus, 43229 | 614-405-9400 | |
| 1375 Chambers Rd., Columbus, 43212 | 614-488-1116 | |
| 2913 Olentangy River Rd., Columbus, 43214 | 614-265-2800 | |
| 1441 Parsons Ave., Columbus, 43207 | 614-445-5727 | |
| 4485 Refugee Rd., Columbus, 43232 | 614-861-4578 | |
| 6962 E. Main St., Columbus, 43068 | 614-866-5336 | |
| 3637 S. High St., Columbus, 43207 | 614-492-1077 | |
| 7625 Sawmill Rd., Dublin, 43016 | 614-923-2333 | |
| 55 W. Schrock Rd., Columbus, 43081 | 614-890-8660 | |
| 5800 W. Broad St., Columbus, 43119 | 614-870-4350 | |
| 850 S. Hamilton Rd., Columbus, 43213 | 614-759-2745 | |
| 1425 Worthington Center Dr., Columbus, 43085 | 614-841-7410 | |
| 60 Worthington Mall, Columbus, 43085 | 614-885-3889 | |
| 150 W. Sycamore St., Columbus, 43215 | 614-340-7979 | |
| 2474 Stringtown Rd., Grove City, 43123 | 614-845-1676 | |
| 3588 Gender Rd., Canal Winchester, 43110 | 614-920-7400 | |
| 5161 Hampstead Village Center, New Albany, 43054 | 614-855-8665 | |
| Giant Eagle Locations | 2801 N. High St., Columbus, 43202 | 614-268-0976 |
| 2250 E. Main St. Bexley, 43209 | 614-591-6635 | |
| 840 W. 3rd Ave., Columbus, 43212 | 614-294-2186 | |
| 280 E. Whittier St., Columbus, 43206 | 614-443-6575 | |
| 4780 W. Broad St., Columbus, 43228 | 614-878-8710 | |
| Columbus State Community College Bookstore | 283 Cleveland Ave., Columbus, 43215 | 614-287-2427 |
We Have Answers to Some Common Questions
If you have a question, there’s a good chance that someone else asked the same thing. Please take a look at our list of Frequently Asked Questions to see if your answer is there. If it isn’t, feel free to contact our customer service team . We’re happy to answer any question you might have.
Riding COTA
Where is My Bus?
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 .
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 .
How Do I Find a Bus Stop?
Please visit the Find Bus Stops tab of the trip planner to find bus stops.
How Safe is it to Ride Cota?
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.
Can I Be Notified About Service Changes?
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.
Can I Bring A Stroller or Shopping Cart on the Bus?
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 .
Can I Take A Beverage or Cooler on the Bus?
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.
What if I Lost Something on the Bus?
To report a lost item, call 614-228-4112 .
Can I Take My Bike on the Bus?
Yes. Please visit the Bike & Bus section of our How to Ride page for more information.
What are Service Changes and When Do They Happen?
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.
What is Bus Rapid Transit?
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.
Why are Seats at the Front of the Bus Different?
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.
What Programs Does COTA Have for Students?
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.
Fares and Passes
How Much Does it Cost to Ride the Bus?
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.
What Kinds of Passes are There? What About Multi-Trip Tickets?
We offer 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.
How Can I Get a Transfer? How Much Does it Cost?
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.
Where and When Can I Buy a Bus Pass? Can I Buy a Bus Pass Online?
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.
Do I Have to Pay For a Small Child? Does COTA Offer Discounted Fares and Passes?
COTA offers reduced fare for seniors, children and riders with disabilities. Visit the Discount Fares section of the website for more information.
Is it Ever Free to Ride COTA?
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 .
Do You Have Fare Information Available in Languages Other Than English?
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.
Accessibility
Is the Bus Accessible to Seniors and People with Disabilities?
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.
Can Personal Care Attendants and Service Animals Ride with Me?
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.
What Paratransit Services Does COTA Offer?
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.
What Senior, Veteran, ADA, or Medicare Programs Does COTA Offer?
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.
Jobs & Careers
What Types of Jobs are Available with COTA?
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.
How Can I Apply for a Job with COTA?
Check out our open positions .
Is COTA an Equal Opportunity Employer?
Yes, COTA is an Equal Opportunity employer .
COTA Facilities
Does COTA Have a Lost and Found?
Yes. Contact Lost & Found at 614-228-4112 .
How Do I Find My Park & Ride?
For more information, please visit the How to Ride page.
What is a COTA Transit Center? Where are They Located?
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.
How Many Shelters Does COTA Have?
COTA maintains more than 350 shelters and over 3,500 bus stops.
Where is COTA’s Main Office Located?
COTA Administration Offices are located at 33 N. High Street, Columbus, OH 43215.
How Green are COTA Facilities?
Taking good care of the environment is important to COTA. To learn more, please visit the Caring for the Environment section of the website.
COTA and the Community
What is COTA Planning for the Future?
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.
How Can I Share Ideas on Improving COTA?
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.
Doing Business with COTA
How Do I Register with COTA?
To register to do business with COTA, please visit the Vendors page to create an account, or login to view solicitations.
How Do I Do Business with COTA?
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.
How Do I Find Out What Opportunities COTA Has?
Please visit the Open Solicitations page for more information about current opportunities.
I Lost My Login ID. How Do I Get a New One?
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.
What are DBE, MBE and FBE? How Do I Learn More?
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.
If I’m Registered with Another Agency as a DBE/MBE/FBE is My Certification Recognized by COTA?
COTA recognizes three other local agencies’ certifications: Ohio Department of Transportation – DBE, City of Columbus – MBE/FBE and Ohio Department of Administrative Services – MBE
What are NAICS Codes and Where Do I Find Them for My Company?
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.
How Do I Get on COTA’s Bidder List?
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.
Questions or need help?
We’re here for you! Contact Customer Care 614-228-1776 during their hours of operation for assistance.