COTA Partner Resource Hub
Your one-stop destination for materials, tools and information to help promote public transit in Central Ohio. Whether you’re planning an event, running a community program or simply want to share transportation options with your network, we’ve got the resources you need.
How to Ride Resources
Help your community discover how easy it is to ride COTA with these step-by-step guides and training materials.
getting started with cota
How to Ride Videos:
Learn the basics of how to ride COTA
Transit App Quick Reference Guide:
Learn how to use the COTA Transit app to plan trips, track buses in real-time and manage your mobile wallet.
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Boarding and Fare Instructions:
Simple steps for how to board and the different ways to pay for your fare. Perfect for first-time riders.
Trip Planning Made Easy
Use COTA’s online trip planner or the Transit app to find the best route for any destination.
Specialized Support Services
Travel Training: Free one-on-one instruction for individuals who want to learn how to use public transit safely and independently. Available for all ages and abilities.
MagnusCards: Digital assistance cards that help individuals with cognitive disabilities navigate public transit using step-by-step visual, audio and video cues. Available in English, Spanish and Somali.
COTA Mainstream: Paratransit service for individuals with disabilities that prevent them from using fixed-route buses.
COTA//Plus: On-Demand Transportation
Your affordable rideshare alternative in Grove City, Westerville and the South Side. COTA//Plus operates for just $3 per ride, arriving in 20 minutes or less. Perfect for connecting to festivals, events, community meetings and local activities. PLUS connect to any COTA fixed-route bus within your zone at no charge.
Service Hours:
Grove City: Mon-Fri, 5:30 a.m.–8 p.m.
Westerville: Mon-Wed, 5:30 a.m.–8 p.m. | Thu-Fri, 5:30 a.m.–11 p.m.
South Side: 7 days a week, 5:30 a.m.–8 p.m.
COTA//Plus Resources:
- Grove City Service Zone Fact Sheet
- Westerville Service Zone Fact Sheet
- South Side Service Zone Fact Sheet
- COTA//Plus Promotional Brochure
Questions? We’re Here to Help! 614-308-4400 | COTA.com/cotaplus
NEW to COTA//Plus? New riders get their first trip free with promo code FIRSTRIDE.
Pass Programs
Expanding access through strategic partnerships with educational institutions and community organizations
Educational Pass Program
COTA’s Educational Pass Program gives eligible students access to unlimited rides at no cost to students or their families. With your Student Success Card, school-issued COTA Smartcard, BuckID or university ID card you can move how and when you want to.
Nonprofit & Community Pass Program
COTA partners with nonprofits and community organizations to provide promotional bus passes that help connect individuals and families to vital services including healthcare, education and employment opportunities. These partnerships ensure transportation becomes a bridge to the support and resources people need to thrive.
To learn more about COTA’s Pass Programs and how your organization can participate, contact Claire Jennings at jenningsch@cota.com.
Community Partner & Event Organizer Tools
Resources to help you engage with COTA and bring transit information to your community.
Outreach
Learn how COTA can participate in your community events, health fairs and educational programs.
Presentations
Request COTA presentations by contacting Robbie Banks at banksrm@cota.com to schedule a presentation for your organization.
ASLYNE C. RODRIGUEZ
Sr. Director of Regional Strategic Partnerships
- Strategic Partnerships, Community Engagement, External Affairs
ROBBIE BANKS
Director of Community Impact
- Stakeholder Relationships, LinkUS Projects/Program Development and Management
CORRINA HYDE
Social Services Program Manager
- Travel Planning, Mobility and Accessibility Services, Community Outreach
CLAIRE JENNINGS
Regional Project Manager
- Regional Collaborations, Strategic Partnerships
Promotional Assets
Professional marketing materials and messaging tools to help you promote public transit effectively.
COTA Logos and Brand Guidelines
All promotional materials with COTA’s branding and logos must adhere to COTA’s brand guidelines.
Transit Benefits Talking Points
Key messages about the environmental, economic, and community benefits of public transportation.
Ready-to-Use Promotional Language
Copy and customize these messages for your websites, newsletters or event materials:
- Why hunt for parking when you can hop on COTA? Get to [Event Name] for just $2 each way and save your money for food, fun and your favorite vendors.
- Ride to [Event Name] for just $2 each way on COTA. Affordable, reliable and way better than paying surge pricing.
- Headed to [Event Name]? COTA is an easy, fun way for the whole crew to ride together. No traffic, no hassle, just good times ahead.
- Keep the good times rolling! COTA runs late, so you can enjoy the night and ride home safe.
LinkUS: Building Central Ohio’s Transit Future
LinkUS is Central Ohio’s transportation and growth plan to expand COTA transit service and make historic investments into sidewalks, bikeways and trails. This transformative initiative will create a network of bus rapid transit lines and supporting infrastructure that connects communities, creates opportunities and drives economic growth throughout the region.
The LinkUS Community Toolkit provides ready-to-use materials for organizations and community leaders to share information about Central Ohio’s transportation future. The toolkit includes social media graphics, fact sheets, presentation materials and progress updates that help you communicate LinkUS benefits and developments to your community.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do people get to our event on COTA?
Direct them to the Trip Planner tool at COTA.com or the Transit app. Both show exactly which bus to take, where to catch it and when it arrives. You can also include the specific COTA line numbers that serve your venue in your event materials and website.
Does COTA run late enough for our evening event?
COTA now offers expanded late-night service on major routes past midnight Monday through Saturday. Check COTA.com for specific schedules.
An attendee with a wheelchair is asking about accessibility. Is COTA accessible?
Yes, all COTA buses are wheelchair accessible. For people who can’t use fixed-route buses, COTA Mainstream provides door-to-door accessible service for eligible customers. Visit COTA.com/mainstream for more information.
Can you bring service animals on COTA?
Yes, service animals are welcome on all COTA vehicles at no extra charge.
How can people pay for COTA?
They can pay exact cash ($2) when boarding or tap to pay using the Transit app on their phone or a COTA Smartcard. Eligible students in our Educational Pass Program ride COTA for free during the school year. Qualified individuals receive half-price fares through our Reduced Fare Program.
Is COTA safe for families and kids?
Safety is COTA’s top priority. All buses have professionally trained Operators with extensive background checks, onboard security cameras and comprehensive safety protocols. COTA is committed to providing a safe transportation experience for riders of all ages.
Can people bring bikes on COTA buses?
Yes, all COTA buses are equipped with front-mounted bike racks that hold two bikes. Bikes load and unload at the front of the bus, and it’s first-come, first-served.
I need materials to promote COTA for my event. How do I get them?
Contact our Community Relations team to request promotional materials. While we can’t accommodate all requests, we’ll provide general materials and resources when available.
How can I request someone from COTA to speak at our meeting/event?
Contact our Community Relations team to request a speaking engagement or presentation tailored to your audience and event.
Does COTA offer discounts for event attendees?
COTA doesn’t provide event-specific discounts, but we offer several existing discount programs. Contact our Community Relations team to learn about available programs that may benefit your attendees.
What if someone gets lost or confused using COTA?
The Transit app provides step-by-step directions and real-time updates. Customers can also ask the bus Operator for help or call COTA Customer Care at 614-228-1776.
Can people bring bags, strollers or coolers on the bus?
Small personal items and collapsible strollers are welcome. Large items should not block aisles or seats. Check COTA.com for specific policies on coolers and oversized items.