Oct 4, 2021 - News

COTA rolls out fare changes for Columbus buses

Tyler Buchanan,
Alissa Widman Neese

Illustration of a public bus made of a $100 bill and quarters — Illustration: Eniola Odetunde/Axios

Bus transportation in the Columbus area is about to get a bit cheaper and simpler for riders with changes coming later this fall.

Driving the news: The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) will institute price caps on bus fares and altering transfer rules to be more flexible for those traveling to multiple destinations.

What's happening: COTA will charge $2 per ride on all lines, capping total payments at $4.50 per day.

The cost to ride will be capped at $62 per month, or the amount COTA has charged for a monthly pass. Regular riders unable to afford the monthly pass up front can pay much more over time without the cap.

What they're saying: Joanna Pinkerton, the COTA president and CEO, said the new system will be "more equitable, accessible and affordable" for area riders.

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COTA rolls out fare changes for Columbus buses

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