Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA)

We’re proud to share this incredible story of how COTA Operator Steve Cochenour helped locate an abducted child, ensuring the safe return of a 1-year-old to their family. Steve’s quick actions show just how far our Operators go to serve the community. “I just reacted and did what I think pretty much any of the COTA bus Operators would’ve done,” said Steve in an interview with 10TV. Thank you, Steve, for your eight years of dedication as a member of Team COTA! ?? #COTACares #TWULocal208 American Public Transportation Association Ohio Public Transit Association https://lnkd.in/gsuR8Rvc

Katie is looking forward to the future LinkUS will build, one where her daughter can safely and easily bike to school. Through LinkUS, Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) will bring the transit system our region needs to life with 500+ miles of sidewalk and bikeway improvements that will better link families like Katie's to the places they want and need to go. See the future of public transit at LinkUSColumbus.com

COTA and Cristo Rey Columbus High School are thrilled to partner again in 2024 to offer transit industry experience to a team of students through the Professional Work Study Program. These students will work five full days a month at COTA, earning both academic credit and hands-on professional experience. Please join us in welcoming these young professionals to Team COTA!

McKinley then ?? NOW! ?? 1979: Construction begins on a 400,000-square-foot primary transit facility on McKinley Avenue. ?? 1980: McKinley Operations Center opens its doors! ??? 2021: Renovations begin to transform McKinley into a modern, more sustainable facility. ?? 2024: The new, 436,000-square-foot McKinley Avenue facility opens with: ?? Expanded vehicle charging capabilities ?? Improved maintenance and vehicle testing facilities ?? A new command center for COTA’s radio operations team ?? An official headquarters for COTA’s strategic response specialists #50YearsOfCOTA

?? Mark your calendar for Sept. 12! The next town hall meeting is coming up and we're prepared to share all the ways more COTA service and sidewalks will benefit you. RSVP now: https://lnkd.in/gRXtgtVu

Welcome back to school, Columbus City students! ?????? We’re excited to announce that, for the third year, we’ve partnered with Columbus City Schools - Ohio to offer our Educational Pass Program! Our commitment to linking more students to the classroom and beyond continues with this supplemental program offering unlimited, no-cost rides for all CCS high school students again this school year. Last year, 6,863 students took advantage of unlimited COTA access, making 397,896 trips across our region. Whether for work, after-school activities, entertainment, connecting with family and friends or exploring the community, we’re thrilled to offer additional transportation to help students move toward a bright future. Learn more about the Educational Pass Program, including how to ride using your Student Success Card, at COTA.com/educationalpass.

Join us on August 28th for our Government Spotlight Virtual Event, ????????????: ?????? ???????? ?????? ?????? ???? ?????????????? ????????! The addition of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) to our region’s existing network of public transportation will allow the system to better meet transit demands, take more cars off the road, and get riders where they need to go faster. BRT can seamlessly supplement the existing system by expanding the reach and capacity of bus service along strategic corridors. It has many promises, one of which is enhancing the economic development prospects along the route and improving overall metropolitan economic performance. ?? Learn more & register today: https://lnkd.in/gibFmnMV

Thank you to everyone who joined us for an engaging conversation with Monica Tellez-Fowler at our August #CEOInsights program. Monica shared valuable perspectives on leadership, innovation, and the future of transit, drawing from her extensive experience. Her journey to her current position as President and CEO at Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA), provided our audience with inspiration and insights. Thanks to Colleen Marshall, Anchor, at WCMH-TV, NBC4, nbc4i.com for leading the conversation! Thank you to our presenting sponsors: Barnes & Thornburg LLP, First Merchants Corporation, Plante Moran, and Wright-Patt Credit Union! Thank you to all our sponsors: Schneider Downs, Medical Mutual, Sedgwick, Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea, Dawson, Hall's Culligan Water, Together & Company, Columbus CEO, and Yarrington Studio! For more on #LinkUS, join our Government Spotlight | LinkUS: The Need for BRT in Central Ohio on Wed, Aug 28 at 9:00 am: https://lnkd.in/gibFmnMV

Join us ???????????????? for a conversation with Monica Tellez-Fowler at our August CEO Insights program presented by: Barnes & Thornburg LLP, First Merchants Corporation, Plante Moran, & Wright-Patt Credit Union. Monica has a decade-long track record of excellence in transit and in fiscal operations, human resources and information technology. She joined Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) as Chief Operating Officer in March 2023, following her tenure as Deputy CEO/Treasurer of Clark County Public Transit Benefit Area Authority (C-TRAN) in Vancouver, Washington where she fully embraced innovation and collaboration. ?? Register today: https://lnkd.in/gEs6Bzne

Discover the future of public transit on East Main Street! ?? Join us for an upcoming open house to learn more about COTA’s East Main Street Bus Rapid Transit project, to ask questions and to share your feedback. For a full list of locations and to RSVP, visit https://lnkd.in/g2FeAHmQ