Spring Into a Smarter Way to Ride

Trade in Your Discount Key Card for 31 Free Rides

Refresh your ride with a simpler way to pay! Now’s the perfect time to switch from your Discount Key Card to a digital fare option. Trade in your Discount Key Card by June 12 and enjoy 31 free rides to get you started.

Why make the switch?

Simple & Convenient

Digital fare options are easy to use and available anytime, anywhere — whether you choose the Transit app or a COTA Smartcard.

Flexible

Pay as you go or purchase a 31-day pass whenever it suits you best.

31 Free Rides

For a limited time, you’ll get 31 free rides when you make the switch before June 12.

Make the change today and enjoy the benefits of a fresher, smarter way to ride!

What You Need to Do

1. Visit COTA’s Customer Experience Center at 33 N. High St.
2. Have an active email account and know your corresponding password so we can help you make the switch to digital in just a few easy steps.

Important Dates

Discount Key Cards will no longer be issued or renewed after June 12 — trade in your card now to enjoy 31 free rides and a more convenient way to ride.

Don’t wait — make the change today and start riding smarter!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Transit app?
   The Transit app is a free app you can download to make paying your fare and planning your trips easier. With the Transit app, you can access real-time bus tracking, plan your routes and pay your fare directly from your phone — just tap and go! To get started, download the app from your smartphone’s app store.
2. How do I set up a COTA account with the Transit app?
   Setting up a COTA account on the Transit app is simple. When you’re ready to switch to digital fare, you’ll need to know your email address and password, as you’ll use these to create your account. It’s best to have this information ready before you visit the Customer Experience Center, as our team will help you complete the setup.
3. How do I set up a COTA account with a COTA Smartcard?
   If you prefer a physical card instead of the app, a COTA Smartcard is a great option. To set up a Smartcard, visit the Customer Experience Center, where our Customer Care Advocates will help you set up your COTA account. You’ll need to know your email address and password to create your account and link it to your Smartcard.
4. Do I need to bring anything to trade in my Key Card?
   Yes, please bring your current Key Card to the Customer Experience Center at 33 N. High St. Our team will assist you in making the switch and will provide you with either a Transit app account or a COTA Smartcard, depending on your preference.
5. How do the 31 free rides work?
   Once you’ve completed the switch to digital fare payment, 31 free rides will be credited to your new account. These rides are valid on all COTA fixed-route services and will automatically apply whenever you tap to ride.
6. How do I add funds to my account?Reloading is easy with digital fare payment. You can add funds directly through the Transit app or COTA.com. If you prefer to pay with cash, you can add that to your account at the Customer Experience Center.
7. I’m not sure about switching — is there support if I have questions?
   Absolutely! Our Customer Care Advocates at the Customer Experience Center are here to answer any questions you may have and to make sure you’re comfortable using your new digital fare option. You can also call Customer Care at 614-228-1776 for more information.
8. What if I lose my COTA Smartcard or change my device?
   With digital fare options, your account is secure. If you lose your Smartcard, visit the Customer Experience Center, and we’ll help you replace it. If you change devices, simply log in to the Transit app with your email and password to restore your account information.