Mainstream and Mainstream On-Demand
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HOW TO RIDE
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COTA MAINSTREAM APP & ONLINE BOOKING
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HOW TO SCHEDULE
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FARES AND PAYMENT
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HOW TO APPLY
Accessible Transportation That Picks You Up
COTA Mainstream offers origin-to-destination rides for people whose functional limitations prevent them from riding COTA’s fixed-route vehicles.
What is COTA Mainstream?
COTA Mainstream is a paratransit service for riders who qualify under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).You must complete the application process and be certified eligible before scheduling trips.
Two service options are available to meet different needs: COTA Mainstream and Mainstream On-Demand.
| COTA Mainstream | Mainstream On-Demand (Powered by UZURV) |
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|---|---|---|
| Service Type | Shared-ride, origin-to-destination transit | Private, door-to-door, Non-ADA rides |
| Service Area | Within ¾ mile of a fixed-route line | Outside ¾ mile of a fixed-route line or as a premium, on-demand option |
How to Ride
- Apply for Mainstream
Complete the application process and get certified as eligible. - Book your ride
Select your pickup and drop-off location and schedule your trip in advance. - Meet your Operator
Your Operator will arrive at your pickup location. Don’t forget to show your Mainstream ADA card when you board. - Ride to your destination
Your Operator will take you to your chosen drop-off location.
New! COTA Mainstream App and Online Booking System
The COTA Mainstream app and online booking are now available and include one of the most requested features: cashless payments!
With the COTA Mainstream app and online booking system, you can:
- Book and manage trips from your phone, tablet or computer.
- View, modify or cancel reservations in one place.
- Pay digitally with a credit or debit card.
- Get real-time updates on your trip status.
Two Systems, Same Function
Choose to book either in the COTA Mainstream app or online via a web browser. Both offer the same features, so you can choose whichever is most convenient for you.
COTA.com/book-mainstream
No app required!
* The COTA Mainstream app and online booking system are only available for COTA Mainstream customers. Mainstream On-Demand (Non-ADA) customers must continue to book through UZURV.
Need Help Getting Started?
Our team is happy to walk you through the setup. Visit the Mobility Services Facility at 1330 Field Ave. or the Customer Experience Center (CEC) at 33 N. High St., and a member of Team COTA will walk you through it step by step.
How to Schedule a Ride
Planning ahead or need a ride today? COtA Mainstream and Mainstream On-Demand offer flexible scheduling options to fit your needs.
| COTA Mainstream | Mainstream On-Demand (Powered by UZURV) |
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|---|---|---|
| Book in Advance | 1–7 days in advance | Same day or up to 30 days in advance |
| By App | COTA Mainstream App | Not available |
| Online | COTA.com/book-mainstream | Not available |
| By Phone | 614-272-3033 | 614-344-4488 |
| Reservations | Monday–Friday: 7 a.m.–6 p.m. Saturday–Sunday: 8 a.m.–6 p.m. |
Monday–Friday: 5:30 a.m.–8 p.m. Saturday–Sunday: 7:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m. |
Fares and Payment
Fares and payment methods vary based on the service you use and whether your trip qualifies as ADA.
NEW! Cashless payment is now available for COTA Mainstream customers through the COTA Mainstream app and online booking system.
| COTA Mainstream | Mainstream On-Demand (Non-ADA Service) |
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|---|---|---|
| Fares | $3.50 per trip | Based on trip mileage $5 minimum, then $1 per additional mile |
| Student Fare | Free with Educational Pass | Based on trip mileage $5 minimum, then $1 per additional mile |
| Monthly Pass | $105 (30 trips) | |
| How to Pay |
Exact cash, COTA Mainstream ticket or a Monthly Pass.
Credit and debit cards can be used through the COTA Mainstream app and the online booking system. |
Credit or debit card in advance Not available |
How to Purchase Passes and Tickets
Fares can be paid digitally through the app or online booking system at the time of booking. At this time, monthly passes and ticket must be purchased in person or over the phone. Once purchased, your pass will be added to your account.
Mobility Services Facility
1330 Fields Ave.
614-275-5828
Customer Experience Center
33 N. High St.
How to Apply
Eligibility is based on functional limitations, not financial hardship. Applicants must be at least 8 years old.
- Download and complete the COTA Mainstream Application, and complete part 1. A licensed professional who is familiar with the functional limitations imposed by your condition must complete and sign Part 2.
- Call 614-275-5833 to schedule your interview and functional assessment at the COTA Mobility Services Facility located at 1330 Fields Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43201.
Both parts of your application must be completed within 90 days of scheduling your assessment.
If you are recertifying your eligibility, you must complete the process before your expiration date to avoid a lapse in service.
Once you complete the process, COTA will notify your by mail within 21 days of your assessment.
Visiting Columbus? You may qualify for Mainstream Visitor Status for up to 21 days. Contact Mobility Services at 614-275-5833 or paratransit@cota.com.
Need Help? Contact Us!
| COTA Mainstream | Mainstream On-Demand (Non-ADA Service) |
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|---|---|---|
| Phone | 614-272-3033 | 614-344-4488 |
| paratransit@cota.com | Not available | |
| Customer Support Hours | Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday: Closed |
Monday–Friday: 5:30 a.m.–8 p.m. Saturday–Sunday: 7:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m. |
COTA’s Mobility Pass Sales are closed on: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and the day after Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.