Mainstream

Mainstream is COTA’s ADA paratransit service for eligible persons who are unable to use the fixed-route service as a result of their disability. Guidelines for COTA Mainstream eligibility are based upon the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Inability to drive a car, distance from a bus stop and age are not qualifying conditions in determining eligibility.

First Transit, Inc. operates Mainstream service. COTA's Mainstream service is a demand-response service based on requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). COTA contracts this service that is provided to seniors and individuals with disabilities who cannot access fixed-route bus service. The five-year contract (with two-year option) with First Transit is due to expire July 31, 2011.

Mainstream Frequently Asked Questions
Mainstream On-line Reservations

To Apply for Eligibility
Download a Mainstream Application and follow the instructions. If you would prefer to have the application package sent to you, please call COTA at (614) 275-5828 or e-mail paratransit@cota.com.

The applicant must complete and sign Part I of the application. Part II of the application must be completed and signed by a physician or a licensed professional in one of the disability-related specialties listed on the application. An interview assessment may also be required. Both parts must be received and any required assessments completed before the application can be processed. Please send both Part I and II of the application to:

COTA Mainstream
1600 McKinley Ave.
Columbus, OH 43222

Or fax to: (614) 272-3015

COTA will respond to your completed application or contact you to schedule any required assessment within 21 days. Each applicant will be notified of the eligibility determination no later than 21 days after COTA has received the completed application, including required assessments.

Applicants can be determined to be eligible or ineligible. Eligibility may be conditional, temporary or unconditional. COTA will provide written notification of the eligibility determination outcome whether eligible or ineligible, any applicable limitations to eligibility and additional Mainstream customer information, including the options to appeal the eligibility decision.

COTA Mainstream Identification Card
A COTA ADA Card is required to ride COTA Mainstream. Identification cards are issued to eligible customers at the COTA Connection Customer Service Center, 60 E. Broad Street, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Reserving Rides
Mainstream accepts trip reservations Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Service for ADA eligible riders may be reserved from 1 to 7 days in advance of your trip. Same day service is available on a very limited basis. A staff of reservationists is available to assist you in reserving and scheduling your trip on COTA Mainstream. For Mainstream reservations, call (614) 272-3033. Detailed information on reserving trips and riding COTA Mainstream is available in the Accessible Services Guide for Paratransit Users. All COTA Mainstream passengers receive a copy of the guide upon certification of their eligibility.

Subscription Service
Subscription service allows eligible customers to make regular ADA trips without making reservations. Subscrition services is not ADA mandated and availability of service is not guaranteed. Download a Subscription Service Application. If you would prefer to have the application sent to you, please call COTA at (614) 275-5828 or email paratransit@cota.com.

Service Hours
COTA Mainstream provides service during the same hours as the fixed-route bus system. To verify current times, call (614) 228-1776.

Using-Fixed Route Bus Service
The COTA Mainstream ADA Card also entitles passengers to ride COTA’s fixed-route bus service for free. Using fixed-route service is often faster than riding COTA Mainstream and adds flexibility to your travel plans. For fixed-route service and schedule information, call (614) 228-1776.

Travel Training
COTA provides travel training free of charge to people with disabilities who would like to learn to ride COTA’s fixed-route service. If you are interested in travel training, e-mail paratransit@cota.com or call (614) 275-5828.

COTA Mainstream Fare