Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA)

One woman’s energy fuels the next. At COTA, we empower each other every day, on every ride, with every shift. Together, we keep moving forward. #WomensHistoryMonth #InternationalWomensDay #WomenInTransit

Drew Toy’s journey with COTA is more than just a career; it’s a legacy. Coming from a family with deep ties to the organization, she grew up seeing firsthand the stability and opportunities that public transit can provide. “A lot of my family has worked here,” she said. “It’s provided a good life for my family, so I decided to come work here, too.” Drew’s progression through COTA has been driven by a commitment to growth and learning. She started as a coach cleaner and, over time, worked her way up to a T3 role, gaining invaluable experience organizing the garage and scheduling buses. “It can be pretty challenging,” she said. “Especially when we're low on buses, it requires a lot of teamwork and communication with different departments. But it always felt good when all the buses went out on time.” Now, as a T2 technician, Drew is proud to be part of the growing community of women in transit, breaking barriers and setting an example for future generations. “It’s really nice to work with other women and learn from their experiences,” she said. “It’s always good to see women in leadership roles. It makes it more comfortable for women wanting to move up and explore different industries that are usually male-dominated.” For Drew, representation is more than a figure — it is support while learning new skills and learning from the women around her. “I’m glad to work for COTA,” she said. “I’m thankful for the opportunities they’ve afforded me as a young woman living on my own.” #WomensHistoryMonth

Chester Allison has been an integral part of Team COTA for 20 years, bringing unmatched skill and a strong commitment to excellence in his role as a mechanic. His work reflects not only his technical expertise but also his pride in both his craft and his Jamaican heritage. “Being Jamaican you’re always punching above your weight,” he said. “You’re always striving for excellence. Everywhere you go, you don’t only carry the responsibility of only being Black, but you also, in a way, are representing your country.” Outside of his career, Chester has many passions, including motor racing and gardening. He even has a garden in the garage at COTA’s McKinley facility, where he cultivates vegetables like peppers and avocados. He also finds inspiration in Marcus Garvey, a prominent Pan-African activist, who he described as “way ahead of his time.” “He was one of the first to start this Black movement,” he said. “And to me, he's one of those who influenced Black consciousness. To get Black people to organize and speak up.” One of Chester’s favorite quotes from Garvey, “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots,” illustrates the importance of Black History Month and learning about great figures from our past and their contributions. “[Black History Month] is a reminder of a lot of great Black people of the past and the great things that Black people have done and still continue to do,” he said. “There are a lot of things that I didn't know until Black History Month, things that we see every day, like the traffic light. It’s not something you think about and if it wasn’t for Black History Month I wouldn’t know stuff like that.” #BlackHistoryMonth

Congratulations to Senior Director of Regional Strategic Partnerships Aslyne Rodriguez and Senior Customer Care Advocate Marcela Perez on their acceptance into the Latinos in Transit (LIT) Leadership Academy! Latinos in Transit is dedicated to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in the mobility industry by fostering career growth and leadership development. Through mentorship, education and hands-on experience, the Leadership Academy prepares professionals to take on executive roles and shape the future of sustainable, equitable transit. Aslyne and Marcela’s growth as leaders will enhance the way we serve the community, empowering them to create even greater impact in Central Ohio. This achievement represents a step toward stronger, more inclusive transit services that will benefit everyone. Congratulations, Aslyne and Marcela! We’re excited to see how your leadership will strengthen our mission to move every life forward. #Leadership #LatinosInTransit #TeamCOTA

COTA’s Senior Director of Regional Strategic Partnerships Aslyne Rodriguez joins industry leaders for Coffee & Chat on Thursday, Feb. 27, to discuss The Future of Transportation: Increasing Access & Bridging the Gap. This dynamic panel, featuring experts from COMTO Columbus, MORPC and John Glenn Columbus International Airport, will dive into how transit is evolving to improve accessibility and connectivity in Central Ohio. Don’t miss this important conversation!

The wait is almost over. Starting in May, midnight lineups will bring more options for late-night travel, so you can get where you need to be — even after dark. Just another step toward keeping you connected with more rides when you need them most. #COTAAfterDark #Midnight #LateNight

COTA President/CEO Monica Tellez-Fowler and Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin join Midstory’s In Transit podcast to discuss the transformative impact of the LinkUS initiative — including bus rapid transit — on Central Ohio. Téllez-Fowler shared, “While [the LinkUS initiative] is about moving people, it’s really not a transit or a transportation plan. It is a growth strategy for our region.” Listen to the full episode: https://lnkd.in/g-Py_w_F

Debbie Johnson has been a dedicated member of Team COTA for 9 years, starting as an Operator and now working as a customer care advocate. With two years left until retirement, Debbie’s journey has been defined by her passion for helping others navigate their way — both on the road and in life. “I worked 30 years at Riverside Hospital, and any time somebody needed directions, they would always come to me,” she said. “So when I retired from there and came here as an Operator and now in customer service, it always makes me laugh when somebody says, ‘Hey, how do I get to so-and-so?’ I think giving people directions is my calling.” Debbie’s role extends beyond just giving directions. As a mother, daughter, leader and friend, she is a true pillar in her community. Whether at COTA or in local organizations, she is always helping others learn and grow. During Black History Month, she sees it as a chance to celebrate Black culture and highlight the many contributions of Black individuals, both big and small. “What we learned in school were the basic ones: Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, Booker T. Washington,” she said. “But to learn that it was a Black woman who developed GPS, a Black woman who improved refrigeration, to learn all of those different things that you never saw in the books at school and to keep learning is exciting for me.” Debbie’s passion for learning continues as she works toward her master’s degree, set to graduate in June. She encourages others to stay curious, ask questions and embrace the world around them. “If you don't try, you'll never know what you can do,” she said. “So always try. Always look into things. Always ask questions. Even if you're on opposite sides, you may be surprised how much you learn from each other.” #BlackHistoryMonth

Our latest graduating classes of Operators had the pleasure of hearing from City of Whitehall Mayor Michael Bivens this Wednesday as they embark on their new careers with COTA. A dedicated advocate for public transit, he shared his support and appreciation for the vital role they will play in keeping our communities connected. Join us in congratulating February’s classes! ??

Earlier this week, Chief External Relations Officer Patrick W. Harris, MCM, along with representatives from 11 other transit agencies, testified before the Ohio House Transportation Committee to advocate for public transit across Ohio. Their testimonies highlighted the importance of continuing the Ohio Workforce Mobility Partnership Program, which helps connect people to employment centers and jobs outside their communities. "The public transit agencies of today are innovative and forward-thinking,” Harris said. “Public transit is also a tool for workforce development and economic mobility." We look forward to ongoing transit and mobility advancements that expand job access, drive economic growth and move every life forward.