From single rides to 30-day passes. United States. Pandora said the new C-pass program has capacity for at least 2,000 more riders. She was not aware fares were coming back. ID Required: Adult Student ID, PSTA Senior/Disabled Photo ID, HART Senior/Disabled Photo ID, PCPT Senior/Disabled Photo ID, Government-issued Photo ID (showing age as of 65 years or older), or Medicare Card. It operates fixed-route buses, bus rapid transit, microtransit, and paratransit services. COTA also iseliminating its seven-day passes and rolling passes that begin on the first day of use. Funding for the Short North C-pass program comes from a designation from the City of Columbus of local parking revenue generated within the Short North Parking Benefit District. COTA rolls out fare changes for Columbus buses - Axios However, we do endorse the careful review and evaluation of services that best meet the needs of your family, Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) Mainstream. Choose from paper passes or enjoy the ease of the OC Bus mobile app. All Rights Reserved. star. In 2020, the agency projected fare losses of $15 million for the year, along with $17 million less in sales tax revenue, but $50 million in federal CARES Act funding made up forthe deficit. In 2018 and 2020, COTA received the Outstanding Public Transportation System Achievement Award from the American Public Transportation Association. In 2020, COTA entered into a $1.5-million contract with Masabi LLC for a new smart-card system where riders can add values to smart cards and mobile devices at more than 400 locations. Many of COTA's riders cannot afford to pay for monthly passes but end up spending more than the $62 cost of that pass as they pay day by day. The Downtown C-pass provides eligible downtown workers free, unlimited access to the entire bus system of Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) in Columbus, OH. But as COTA temporarily eliminated fares in March 2020, the agency's funding was buoyed by $50 million in federal CARES Act money. Short North C-pass program brings back free COTA rides for 2023 "Long term, we would like to see more infrastructureinstalledat major stops so people could load fare cards there," Lappsaid. Further information is available on the Short North district website. Choose from paper passes or enjoy the ease of the OC Bus mobile app. COTA | Transportation and Traffic Management - Ohio State University Half should be in by Jan. 11, with the rest installed by spring, Pullin said. What if I take the bus to work but then suddenly need to run home? If I already have a monthly pass and am eligible for a C-pass, can I get a refund for my monthly pass? According to the Short North Alliance, participants must live or work within the Short North Parking Benefit District to be eligible for the Short North C-pass. COTA plans to initiate more on-demand services this year. COTA is doing so as COVID-19 numbers are spiking. Reduced Fare riders are eligible for fare capping benefits through Flamingo Fares. COTA:Roll out of first two electric buses amid plan to phase out diesel vehicles by 2025. C-pass free bus passes play role in luring companies Downtown, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. The Cleveland-based firm has offices in Columbus and Washington, D.C. Bus Passes IMPACT Community Action Snow, 31, who was waiting for a bus Monday on North High Street near Broad Street Downtown, saidhe uses COTA to get to work at a Southeast Side bookstore. Latasha Williams, 44, was waiting for a bus Friday morning on North High Street Downtown. Promotional value expires 60 days after purchase. All Groupon reviews are from people who have redeemed deals with this merchant. An official website of the United States government Here's how you know. The 30-day College Pass is a reduced fare pass available to students enrolled in 9 or more units a semester at participating colleges. COTA has not raised its fares in a decade. Regular Fares. Unlimited Ride Passes - Fares - CTA - Chicago Transit Authority PSTA and its agents assume no responsibility for lost, stolen, damaged, or mutilated cards. Discount Fairs:cota.com/riding-cota/discount-fares, Copyright 2015. According to Betsy Pandora, Executive Director of the Short North Alliance, the pilot program saw over 640 participants take over 15,000 transit rides. Riders can download the Transit app from the Apple App Store orGoogle Play. Monthly Pass | RTD - Denver - Regional Transportation District Fares | CATA - Capital Area Transportation Authority Applications accepted Monday thru Friday, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. only. cota.com You're all set! Visit FlamingoFares.com for more information. Please use thewebsitelinks to verify, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) Mainstream | Columbus OH - CAP4Kids "I think they are addressing those concerns," hesaid. Bob Weiler's Bold Proposal: Make COTA Free For Everyone Employees should contact their Human Resources manager to register. No matter what trip you plan to take, there are bus fares and passes that will make travel convenient and affordable. As post-pandemic rehiring picks up, offering free rides could be a "huge aid" to small businesses and service workers in the area, she said. All passes must be used by October 2017. Broward County Transit Fares and Passes Riders can also buy passes using credit and debit card only at COTA's South Terminal at 25 E. Rich St. Monthly passes remain the same at $62, one-way fares are $2. How long is my C-pass valid? Visit Select Locations Buy in person at CATA facilities and select businesses across Greater Lansing. The program is set to continue at least through 2023 or while supplies last, according to the Short North Alliance website. OHIO | US Department of Transportation Refunds will not be issued for monthly passes. "It's consistent with our goals and objectives," Mumma said. Buy Unlimited Rides Shop Online Store Purchase multiple and unlimited ride passes. What accessible services does COTA offer? What makes the cota key card legally binding? Local category deals only. You can enjoy unlimited rides on all CTA buses and trains with our 1-Day, 3-day, 7-day or 30-day unlimited-ride passes. When your company account manager creates your C-pass account, they can enable your C-pass credential by choosing a COTA photo ID or smartphone option. The Short North C-pass program relaunch comes after a successful pilot program that ran from May to October 2022. Regular riders unable to afford the monthly pass up front can pay much more over time without the cap. Short North Arts District Parking + Transit Fares - VIA Metropolitan Transit in December, the COTA board approved a $171.9 million budget for 2021 anticipating fewer riders as the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects head into a second year. Once registered appropriately, your discount is automatic every time you tap or scan to board. Ride the SunRunner! The Central Ohio Transit Authority is the regional public transit provider for greater Columbus and Central Ohio. I need to access the Employee Login page. The audit showed that COTA's sales tax revenues, its main source of income, dipped in 2020, from $136 million in 2019 to $134 million in 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic took hold. Buying Passes | COTA, Central Ohio Transit Authority. Let's Go! She said she works at a laundry, but lives in a homeless shelter, and wondered if many people might have problems affording fares again. Handling it utilizing electronic tools differs from doing this in the physical world. Cota Bus Schedule? - Bus foundation Masks will continue to be required, he said. 28, 29X, 82X $150, Metro 30-Day Rolling Pass - Zone 5 Includes Warren Co $170, Metro/TANK 30-Day Rolling Pass Metro Zone 1 & TANK $105. All bus passes are not exchangeable, refundable or transferable. Accessibility Statement: COTA will provide documents upon request in the most appropriate accessible format. Daily GO Cards can be purchased on the bus. The Central Ohio Transit Authority's new digital fare system starts Monday, with fares capped at $4.50 a day or $62 a month, $2 fares valid for two hours, and 350 retail locations where riders can add money to their accounts. We use cookies to let you log in to your account, make purchases and collect anonymous analytics information to help us improve our products. COTA's daily and monthly fares to be capped under new system *Reduced Fare now includes adult students, youth 18 and younger as well as people with disabilities and Medicare cardholders. Documentation Needed: Valid driver's license/photo I.D. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Angel Mumma, COTA's chief financial officer, said that while losing revenue is not ideal, the changes to the fare structure are about affordability and equity. Be ready: Fares will return on Monday for Central Ohio Transit Authority fixed-route lines and COTA Plus services. This month, she had to skip her phone bill to pay for her bus pass. Kids 8 and under ride all PSTA vehicles free! Eligible workers can use their C-pass any day, any time, on any route, at no cost to them or their employer. Central Ohio Transit Authority - Wikipedia COTA cleans buses with disinfectants and antimicrobial solutions. ID Required:Adult Student ID, PSTA Senior/Disabled Photo ID, HART Senior/Disabled Photo ID, PCPT Senior/Disabled Photo ID, Government-issued Photo ID (showing age as of 65 years or older), or Medicare Card. TD Late Shift can now be purchased with the monthly TD fare for $20. As the society takes a step away from in-office work, the completion of paperwork more and more takes place online. You're all set to start receiving NextStop emails. Free bus passes for veterans or the homeless may be issued by Volunteers of America. 2023 Central Ohio Transit Authority. "It's been a concern of mine with the current system," Lapp said. COTA digital fare system to cap daily, monthly bus fares in Columbus "I'm very intelligent. All GO Card sales are final. If a rider opensa new account between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31, COTA will credit $4.50 within two business days. Local Monthly Pass is valid for local and limited bus, and rail travel in one or two fare zones. In order to take advantage of this benefit, you must use only ONE Flamingo Fares card or app account every time you board. Home TRANServe OHIO Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) - Columbus Web: www.cota.com Tel: 614.275.5800 Services: Bus Forms of Payment: Cash, Debit/Credit Cards Ways to Pay: COTA Transit Office - 33 N. High Street, Columbus, OH 43215 Monthly Pass: Express Monthly - $85 Local Monthly - $62 Split Payment Option: Yes - Downtown Transit Office Climb aboard for discounts, destinations and smart ways to ride. 7 days of unlimited rides. What is COTA bus? Premium Express 10 Ride Bus Pass $26.50 . Passengers with unreadable GO Cards will be required to pay the full fare before boarding the bus. COTA also is holding events where riders can also learn how to use COTA's fare system and set up an account. To verify your eligibility, check with your employer or HR representative and check the list of eligible addresses. After a successful summer 2022 pilot, the Short North C-pass program is relaunching for 2023, bringing back free rides on COTA bus routes for anyone living or working in the neighborhood . Do you have a Medicare card? COTA:Transit authority aimsto hire 50 drivers by next spring after losing more than 60 during pandemic. "People don't have money to ride the bus," she said. Walter Hardy, a COTA rider, told the board before the vote on thechanges that the new account system might be too complicated for some riders. How do I register for a C-pass? Proper identification is required when purchasing and using a reduced fare. Mumma said having monthly passes that begin on the first day of the month make it easier for riders to remember and customer service representatives to deal with, althoughshe said that riders will have to decide what is best for their own circumstances. COTA temporarily discontinued fares in Marchat the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic so riders could board buses from the rear. For children 7 thru 11, each child pays a Reduced Farejust ask the bus operator or station attendant for assistance. To obtain a PSTA Senior/Disabled Photo ID, present proof of age 65 years or older at a PSTA Customer Service Center. Washington, DC 20590855-368-4200. Unlimited rides for 31 consecutive days. Downtown, or by ordering one through COTA.com or the agency's customer service line at 614-228-1776. Why are COTA bus passes so terrible, and continuing to get worse? - Reddit "I feel it's a problem," she said, especially with people out of work because of the pandemic. The Short North C-pass program follows a similar model to the Downtown C-pass program, which offers free rides for commuters and is slated to continue through 2025. COTA board caps daily fare costs at $4.50, monthly fares at $62, cutting revenues by $1.8M Mark Ferenchik The Columbus Dispatch 0:00 1:04 Daily fares on Central Ohio Transit Authority buses. Jefferson Lines, free Greyhound tickets or tickets to other bus lines may be offered. We have up to 400 retail locations you can visit to add funds to your COTA account. You can get a C-pass if your employer is participating and you work in eligible buildings within the Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District. The district is bounded roughly by Neil Avenue to the west, King Avenue and East 9th Avenue to the north, the railroad track to the east, and Interstate 670 to the south. Never pay more than $4.50 a day or $62.00 a month. Read the latest Moving Forward newsletter. Some, though not all, Franklin County and City of Columbus employees also qualify. Regional/Airport Monthly Pass is valid for local, limited, regional and SkyRide bus, and train travel in all fare zones. The 112 new buses COTA plans to buy through 2024 will also have barriers, Pullin said. Riders can buy passes at COTA's Customer Experience Center at 33 N. High St. andat 30 retail locations. COTA was able to add retailers who were already on two networks VIDAPAY and VanillaDirect so cash-only COTA riders canload their cash onto the Transit app or COTA Smartcard. It had suspended fares in March atthe beginning of the pandemic so riders could board buses from the rear, reducing contact between drivers and passengers, and capped the number of riders at 20. Introducing the Real Time Bus Information.PSTA invites you to experience Real Time Bus Information. $62 Not yet available 7-Day Unlimited Bus Pass $25 Not yet available 31-Day Unlimited Bus Pass $62 Not yet available See similar deals Share This Deal Highlights Passengers take unlimited rides aboard the various bus routes on the Central Ohio Transit Authority Groupon Customer Reviews 4.1 28 Groupon Ratings Sort by: 100% Verified Reviews Passengers take unlimited rides aboard the various bus routes on the Central Ohio Transit Authority. GO Cards are activated upon first use in the farebox. OC Bus offers a variety of regular fares to meet your bus travel needs. It seems insane to me that I have to walk down to a Kroger or the actual COTA office just to get a new pass (As of course, you cannot buy a month long pass as you board the bus) I've used public transport in a few different cities and COTA is just so far behind the times. Unlimited rides within a single service day for up to five riders. Valid for:Adult Student, Youth, Senior, Disabled (with proper ID)*. All applicants must have picture identification plus verification of Social Security number. Damaged cards are invalid. COTA brings back bus fares for fixed routes, COTA Plus, on Monday TD clients can get their monthly on-demand trips for $9 per month to work when bus service is not available . Where can I find more information on C-pass? Add'l 75 cents charge for Express Bus Lines 460, 487, 489, 501, 550 and 577. Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology, Metro 30-Day Rolling Pass - Zone 2 $106, Metro 30-Day Rolling Pass - Harrison Rt. Fares - LA Metro Downtown. Monthly passes remain the same at $62, one-way fares are $2. How do I get my transit pass? Amount paid never expires. He said that riders should have the option of buying rolling passes that last a month no matter when they buy them, rather then a calendar-based monthly system. Simply notify your company account manager and they will remove you from the member portal. COTA is installing protective barriers between drivers and passengers on 285 buses. Monthly passes remain the same at $62, one-way fares are $2. | Sitemap | Accessibility, Jolley Trolley Beach Route (PSTA passes accepted), Jolley Trolley Coastal Route (PSTA passes accepted), Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART), Pasco County Public Transportation (PCPT). Passes will be mailed to address provided at registration and will arrive within 7 10 business days. New email subscribers only. You can also contact a C-pass representative at 614-591-4184 or info@downtowncpass.com. Customers ages 18 and under can also enjoy savings. This program is a partnership between OCTA and local participating colleges that provides all registered students with an OC Bus pass for the semester. "There was always a plan to return to fares," COTA spokesman Jeff Pullin said Tuesday. With the new blue there's a better way to get to work and school. In addition, the children from birth to 5 yearsold will be able to ride for free, while children from 5 to 12 can ride for $1. TD Bus Fare: $11 Add Late Shift: +$9 Total Monthly Package: $20. This means we can provide reliable, real-time departure information to passengers. 52X $120, Metro 30-Day Rolling Pass - Zone 4 $140, Metro 30-Day Rolling Pass - Clermont Rts. Whos eligible for a C-pass? The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA /\u02c8ko\u028at\u0259/) is a public transit agency serving the Columbus metropolitan area, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services. VOA focuses on veterans, the homeless, and very-low income as offers a multitude of . More: C-pass free bus passes play role in luring companies Downtown. COTA's Customer Experience Center at 33 N. High St. also opens on Monday, and riders will be able to buy passes at 30 retail. Regional/Airport. No exchanges. More:COTA app provides cash-free fare option. 31 Day Adult Bus Pass $70. We know that it will take some time to get them on board," he said. Customers must complete the online application and have it signed by a physician to get the COTA ADA card. No matter what trip you plan to take, there are bus fares and passes that will make travel convenient and affordable. COTA riderQuan Snow, who livesin the King-Lincoln-Bronzeville neighborhood on the city's Near East Side, said healready hasthe app. PDF Reduced Fare Program - COTA "People can still use cash if they want," COTA spokesman Jeff Pullin said. 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Offered through eligible employers, the OC Bus Perk Pass offers affordable bus passes that can reduce employee transportation costs and stress levels! We took this unique, but important step, to temporarily offer our transit services at no fare to the community at a time when there was no uniform guidance on how to properly protect employees and customers, COTA President and CEO Joanna Pinkerton said in a statement. OC bus offers specialty bus passes and fares throughout the year. A lock ( LockA locked padlock ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. 2023 www.dispatch.com. See Promotional Terms. It also agreed to cut fares on express routes during commuter rush hours from $2.75 to the standard $2 fare for uniformity. Official websites use .govA .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. This pass allows kids 17 and under to ride all of CDTA's regular routes anytime from July 1 through August 31 for one low price of $44.00. All rights reserved. ", Downtown bus station:COTA board approves purchase of Greyhound stationfor nearly $9.5 million. They are design specifically to meet the needs of college and university students, employers, and youth. Mumma said other transit systems cap fares. You can purchase COTA passes at the following offices, ticket vending machines and retail locations. For elementary and high school students 7-20 years old: Valid 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on school days, with permit. The fare revenue lost to date this year is $15 million, Pullin said. Eligible 501 (c) (3) organizations can purchase monthly, weekly and daily bus passes, VIA Link, and VIAtrans tickets in bulk less 25% less the value of the passes. COTA said many riders end up paying more than $62 a month when paying daily in cash. Meanwhile, the Downtown C-pass program, through which people who normally work Downtown can ride buses free, has been renewed. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Customers 60 years and older and persons with disabilities are offered reduced fares when riding OC Bus. The first is scheduled at COTAs customer center,. In other business, the COTA board also approved a 2020 audit by Clark Schaefer Hackett that found no material problems with the transit agency's financial statements. Premium Express one-way cash fare $2.65 . Can I opt out of the C-pass program at any time? Customers must complete the online application and have it signed by a physician to get the COTA ADA card. Once enrolled, participants will receive COTA funds for monthly fixed-route rides on any COTA bus routes throughout the city. Copyright 2023 Orange County Transportation Authority. ", "It's genuinely a step in the right direction," Landino said. Employers interested in signing up employees can get started by registering on the secure member portal. Note:This is information is subject to change by the transit provider. VIDAPAY retail locations | VanillaDirect retail locations. Review requests are sent by email to customers who purchased the deal. Customers eligible for discounted fares will continue to be served. COTA capped the number of riders at 20 then. COTA. Short North C-Pass. The number of riders per bus on fixed routes will remain capped at 20, and at two or more if a family on COTA Plus and Mainstream vehicles. Exact amount of cash is required as bus operators cannot make change. COTA's new fare payment system makes sure you get the best fares every time. Merchant is solely responsible to purchasers for the care and quality of the advertised goods and services. The C-pass is free, thanks to a partnership between COTA, the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission and downtown property owners of the Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District. Mobile payment has really opened the door to amazing, collaborative opportunities like this one in Short North, she said. Your C-pass will be active through December 31, 2025, as long as you are working for an eligible employer. Have Exact Cash Fare (dollar bills or coins) Ready. Once they do, they can open the Transit app and tap the Buy button, then followprompts to set up an account and a payment method. They also partner with the VA and local charities that may be near where you live. If you begin employment with another eligible employer in downtown Columbus, your new employer will need to create a new account for you. Once documentation is collected, an IMPACT Rep will log the gas cards/ bus passes that are being issued to the customer. The Central Ohio Transit Authority has introduced COTA Connector, a new app that allows riders to transfer money from credit and debit cards and bank accounts on to the app so they can use it to pay bus fares. Transportation Disadvantaged Program | PSTA COTA Tickets Learn more! What happens if I leave my job? Latyia Watson, 22, of the South Side, was waiting in a bus shelter around the corner on East Broad Street. From single rides to 30-day passes. "It's something I can't comprehend," said Norris, 60, who said he is homeless. If the numbers do grow, we'll change a culture." These local parking revenues are reinvested into mobility programs in the Short North area after the citys costs are met, Pandora said. COTA Tickets By subscribing, I agree to the Terms of Use and have read the Privacy Statement, See Promotional Terms. Hesaid there's already been a soft rollout with the app. Do not cut, bend, or punch your Flamingo Fares card. Fast, friendly, and forever expanding, the transit fleet serves more than 19 million citizens each year, with a view towards becoming the region's go-to source of efficient rapid transit. You can use the Emergency Ride Home program, a free service that assures commuters they wont be stranded at work in the case of an emergency, illness or unexpected overtime. Riders will still be able to use cash to pay fares. Flamingo Fares fare capping benefits are applied by account. Proper identification is required when purchasing and using a reduced fare. Any document found on our website or that we provide can be available in a different format upon request. To pay your fare and board COTA buses, you will need a special C-pass credential. That reducedcontact between drivers and passengers. This handicapped and wheelchair accessible van can provide door-to-door service for eligible customers. $200. CDTA Fares | www.cdta.org The cota mainstream isn't an any different. for main applicant Social Security card for every member of the household Find out more about routes, riding safely, and COTA at cota.com. Have you tried the Transit app yet? Downtown C-pass - Ride with Us The COTA board also agreed to cut the fare on express routes during commuter rush hours from $2.75 to the standard $2 fare for uniformity, and transfers will be modified so riders can use them as many ways as they want for two hours. Interested parties can visit the Short North Alliance website to fill out a sign-up form. Also, fares will be reinstituted on Feb. 1 for COTA Mainstream and Mainstream-on-Demand.