Announcement2/4/2022

COTA Announces No Fares Will Continue All Day Friday Due to Level 2 Snow Emergency in Franklin County

Today, Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) has suspended fares systemwide for the second consecutive day due to the Level 2 snow emergency declared in Franklin County.

COTA suspends fares on all transit vehicles on all routes in the event the Franklin County Sheriff declares a Level 2 or Level 3 snow emergency. COTA offers this community service to encourage those who must travel to take public transit instead of their personal vehicles; this will reduce traffic accidents in difficult driving conditions and assist the efforts of countywide snow removal and salting.

The no-fare policy will be in effect for the remainder of the day once a Level 2 or Level 3 snow emergency is declared. The policy includes all transit vehicles, including fixed-route (buses), Mainstream and COTA//Plus.

COTA is also warning customers to expect significant delays on Friday, Feb. 4 and throughout the weekend due to potentially dangerous road conditions posed by the winter storm and anticipated workforce availability due to the weather. If customers do need to travel, COTA is urging them to take the following precautions:

  • Dress warmly and wear brightly colored clothing to be spotted at transit stops.
  • Call COTA’s Customer Care Center at (614) 228-1776 to find out when the next bus will arrive at your stop.
  • Allow for extra time to get to your destination. Try to avoid travel that requires connections between multiple lines. That could result in longer wait times.
  • Be careful and watch your step. Watch for icy sidewalks and streets. NEVER run toward a bus at a transit stop.
  • Regularly check COTA social media, the Transit App or visit COTA.com to check out delays.