Public Records Request

 

Public Records Policy

It is the policy of Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) to strictly adhere to the state’s Public Records Act.

Public Records

In accordance with the Ohio Revised Code, COTA deems public records as any documents, device or item, regardless of physical form or characteristic, created or received by or coming under the jurisdiction of any public office of the state or its political subdivisions, which serves to document the organization, functions, policies, decisions, procedures, operations or other activities of the office.

Records Requests

The requester must identify the records requested with sufficient clarity to allow the public office to identify, retrieve and review the records.

  • The requester is not required to put a records request in writing nor provide his or her identity or the intended use of the requested public record. It is COTA’s general policy that this information not be requested.
  • Public records are available for inspection during regular business hours, with the exception of published COTA holidays. Public records must be made for inspection promptly. Copies of public records must be made available within a reasonable period of time.

“Prompt” and “reasonable” take into account the volume of records requested; the proximity of the location where the records are stored; and the necessity for any legal review of the records requested.

Costs for Public Records

Under Ohio’s Public Records Act, copies of public records are available at cost. There is no charge for documents emailed.

Submit a Public Records Request

Questions? Contact us at publicrecords@cota.com.