How do I schedule a trip?
You can schedule your trip three ways – online, by phone or by mail. See
Reservations to learn more. All Mainstream passengers must have an ADA Photo ID to ride.
What information do I need when I make a reservation?
To schedule your trip, we will need your name, ADA expiration date, date and time of travel, addresses for the pick up and drop off locations and your phone number.
How far in advance can I schedule a trip?
Reservations are accepted one to seven days in advance, from 8 am to 7 pm. We always call you to confirm your trip.
What happens when the non-ADA trip I want is placed on standby?
If a trip request cannot be confirmed two days prior to the travel date, it will be placed on standby. We will notify you at least 24 hours in advance if your trip is placed on standby status.
What is a flexible reservation?
Flexible reservations are scheduled during off-peak hours from 10 am to 2 pm and 7 pm to 9 pm weekdays.
Are Mainstream customers guaranteed service?
Mainstream trips are guaranteed only if they are ADA trip eligible. All other trips (non-ADA) are served on a space-available basis.
What is an ADA-eligible trip?
A trip is ADA eligible when the pickup and destination are within 3/4 of a mile of a COTA fixed- route bus line during the hours of operation for fixed- route bus lines.
Click here for our hours of operation.
Is there a penalty if I cancel my trip when Mainstream arrives to pick me up?
If you cancel at the time of pick up or do not show up for your ride (three times in one month), you will get a warning. A suspension could result if you continue to cancel or no show.
How far in advance to I need to cancel a scheduled pickup?
Please cancel your appointment at least four hours before pickup to avoid any penalties.
What happens if the service is late?
If the vehicle is more than 30 minutes late, call 272- 3007 or 228-1832. If the scheduled vehicle cannot complete the trip, you will be offered service on a replacement vehicle.
What does it cost to ride Mainstream?
The Mainstream one-way fare is $3.50 (ADA) or $5.00 (Non-ADA) roundtrip. All customers must present their exact fare and ADA ID card each time they board.
Do I need exact change to ride?
Yes. Our drivers do not distribute any change.
Can children ride free?
Yes. Children ages six and under ride free.
Can my Personal Care Attendant ride with me?
Yes. Eligible customers can ride with one personal care attendant when traveling. Personal care attendants ride free.
What is subscription service?
When you travel to and from the same location at least once a week, you are eligible for subscription services.
Click here to download an application.
Can I change my reservation for subscription service?
No. If you need to be picked up at a different time, you must complete a new application and submit it.
Does the Will Call Program replace COTA Mainstream?
No, the Will Call Program WILL NOT REPLACE COTA Mainstream. The Will Call Program is a separate service, and is designed to supplement the regular Paratransit service that is currently provided.
Do I have to use the Will Call service?
No, you may continue to schedule your pick up and return trips to your long-term, ongoing medical treatments with COTA Mainstream, if you wish. The Will Call Program is another transportation option that COTA is offering to COTA Mainstream customers who have long-term, ongoing medical treatment such as dialysis, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Have the COTA Mainstream fares been increased?
No, COTA Mainstream fares are still $3.50 per one-way for an ADA trip and $5.00 per one-way for a non-ADA trip. The Will Call service is $4.00 per one-way trip.
What do I do if my COTA ADA identification card is expired?
You must have a current ADA identification (I.D.) card to ride any service. If your COTA ADA I.D. card has expired, please call the Mobility Coordinator at (614) 275-5833.
If I am not finished with my medical treatment and I already have a COTA Mainstream trip scheduled, what should I do?
You should call (614) 272-3033 to cancel your COTA Mainstream trip and then call MyCity Transportation at (614) 324-2586 to schedule your return trip.
May I use the Will Call service for regular physical check up visits?
No, the Will Call service is only used for customers who are receiving long-term, ongoing medical treatments such as dialysis, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
How long will the driver wait if my treatment is not finished?
The driver will wait 5 minutes. After the 5 minutes, the driver will contact the dispatch office to determine if another driver will be sent out for the pick up.