Smartcard
Your new, smarter way to pay
Tap, Ride, Save
The COTA Smartcard gives you all the benefits of digital payments without a smartphone.
Never pay more than $4.50 per day or $62 per calendar month.
Transfers are valid for two hours and are automatically applied to your Smartcard.
Just tap your Smartcard on the validator to your right and ride.
Register your Smartcard and your balance is protected if it’s ever lost or stolen.
How Fare Capping Works
Your Smartcard tracks your spending and caps what you owe — automatically.
You’ll never pay more than $4.50 per day or $62 per calendar month.
Get Started With A COTA Smartcard
There’s no cost to get a card, just a $3 replacement fee if it’s ever lost or stolen.
- Pick up a Smartcard at the COTA Customer Experience Center at 33 N. High St. A member of Team COTA can help you get set up, or you can register on your own at home.
- Create your COTA account at passes.cota.com.
- Register your Smartcard using the 10-digit number on the bottom left of the card.
- Add funds with a debit or credit card online, or with cash or card at the Customer Experience Center.
- Simply tap your Smartcard on the validator when you board any COTA bus.
Registering your card is important. If your Smartcard is lost or stolen, only registered cards are eligible for fund recovery.
Manage Your Account
Log in at passes.cota.com to check your balance, view ride history and add funds anytime.
Family Accounts
Families can register multiple Smartcards under the same account to use one payment method for multiple riders. Each family member needs their own Smartcard, just repeat the registration process for each card.
Questions?
We’re here to help! Contact Customer Care at 614-228-1776 for assistance.
