FAQ

What People Ask Us Most Often

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.
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 7-Day Passes, 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?

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.