COTA Services
Connecting Our Community Through Innovative Mobility Solutions
From the COTA buses rolling through Columbus’ streets to our paratransit vehicles, COTA is meeting Central Ohio’s mobility needs with a variety of innovative services to move every life forward.
CORE SERVICES
With over 38 fixed-route lines, three on-demand service zones and full ADA service available throughout our service area, COTA is proud to be the regional mobility solutions provider for over 1.3 million residents across the Greater Columbus and Central Ohio area.
Our services include …
Fixed Route
Predetermined schedules and routes
CMAX
Bus rapid transit service
C-pass
Employer-sponsored annual COTA passes
COTA//Plus
On-demand rides from point A to B in designated zones
Mainstream
Shared-ride, origin-to-destination paratransit service
Mainstream On-Demand
Private, point-to-point paratransit service
GREAT Workforce Transportation
Shuttle connecting employees to the Rickenbacker area
SmartRide New Albany
Service connecting employees to the New Albany International Business Park
Service Area and Routes
562 Square Miles
1.4 Million Residents
38 Operational Fixed Routes
3,000 Active Transit Stops
3 COTA//Plus Service Areas
ADA Service Available Throughout Service Area
Frequently asked questions
Where will I be picked up or dropped off?
| Fixed Route | COTA//Plus | Mainstream | Mainstream On-Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| COTA transit stop | At the curb | At the curb (door-to-door service is available upon request) | Front door |
Fixed Route
COTA transit stop
COTA//Plus
At the curb
Mainstream
At the curb (door-to-door service is available upon request)
Mainstream On-Demand
Front door
Where can I ride?
| Fixed Route | COTA//Plus | Mainstream | Mainstream On-Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trips must begin and end at a transit stop | Within the designated service zones of Grove City, Westerville and the South Side | Trips must begin and end within 3/4 mile of a transit stop | Front door |
Fixed Route
Trips must begin and end at a transit stop
COTA//Plus
Within the designated service zones of Grove City, Westerville and the South Side
Mainstream
Trips must begin and end within 3/4 mile of a transit stop
Mainstream On-Demand
Front door
Do I need to book a ride in advance?
| Fixed Route | COTA//Plus | Mainstream | Mainstream On-Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| No | Request rides on demand via the COTA//Plus app | Book at least one day in advance | Advance scheduling and same-day rides available |
Fixed Route
No
COTA//Plus
Request rides on demand via the COTA//Plus app
Mainstream
Book at least one day in advance
Mainstream On-Demand
Advance scheduling and same-day rides available
Who can ride?
| Fixed Route | COTA//Plus | Mainstream | Mainstream On-Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anyone | Anyone | Pre-approved customers | Pre-approved customers |
Fixed Route
Anyone
COTA//Plus
Anyone
Mainstream
Mainstream On-Demand
Is the service ADA accessible?
| Fixed Route | COTA//Plus | Mainstream | Mainstream On-Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheelchair accessible | Wheelchair accessible upon request | Wheelchair accessible (assistance provided) | Wheelchair accessible |
Fixed Route
Wheelchair accessible
COTA//Plus
Wheelchair accessible upon request
Mainstream
Wheelchair accessible (assistance provided)
Mainstream On-Demand
Wheelchair accessible
Will I share a ride with another passenger?
| Fixed Route | COTA//Plus | Mainstream | Mainstream On-Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | Sometimes | Sometimes | Sometimes |
Fixed Route
Yes
COTA//Plus
Sometimes
Mainstream
Sometimes
Mainstream On-Demand
Sometimes