By 1808Delaware
Central Ohioans facing extreme temperatures now have a critical new resource: free transit service to heating and cooling centers. The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) Board of Trustees has unanimously approved a resolution waiving fares on all routes during extreme weather conditions, ensuring that those in need can safely reach shelters.
A Lifeline in Dangerous Temperatures
Under the new policy, COTA will waive fares whenever the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Wilmington issues a heat advisory or warning or a cold advisory or warning. The fare-free service will apply to all fixed-route buses, Mainstream services, and COTA//Plus for the remainder of each affected day.
COTA President/CEO Monica Tellez-Fowler emphasized the importance of the measure, stating:
“Our mission is to serve all Central Ohio residents and that includes those who are seeking shelter during dangerous conditions. Our communities offer places of safety for residents on a winter day when it is dangerously cold or a summer day that is dangerously hot. We do not want anyone to risk their health because they might not have the bus fare to reach shelter. We are grateful to the COTA Board of Trustees for taking this important step to enhance our service to our region.”
Expanding Access to Safe Spaces
COTA’s new policy will allow residents to reach cooling and warming centers, libraries, recreation centers, and other designated shelters at no cost. The policy builds on COTA’s existing no-fare transit service during Level 2 and Level 3 snow emergencies. Historically, the National Weather Service issues extreme temperature advisories about three times per year, making this an impactful yet manageable addition to the agency’s services.
Board of Trustees Chair Marlon Moore highlighted the community-driven nature of the decision:
“COTA’s partners in the nonprofit community and our locally elected officials have asked COTA to consider eliminating fares on all days when the temperatures pose a risk to human health. We thank Team COTA for creating this policy that helps us continue our commitment to serving our customers with compassion and respect. Today the Board of Trustees is happy to unanimously approve this policy that better protects our riders and our community.”
A Collaborative Effort to Protect Vulnerable Populations
COTA is working alongside local nonprofit organizations to spread awareness of the new policy to those most in need.
Michael Corey, Executive Director of the Human Service Chamber of Franklin County, which serves over 220 nonprofit organizations, stressed how vital this initiative is for individuals experiencing homelessness:
“Every summer and every winter, we work hard with our members and partners across the community to ensure everyone knows where to go when the weather is dangerously hot or dangerously cold. A consistent challenge is always getting to and from those places. COTA trying to eliminate that barrier will save lives. We are deeply appreciative of this new policy, and how COTA continues centering the people of this community.”
How to Access the Free Transit Service
The policy’s goal is to help COTA customers reach safe locations, not to create long-term shelter on transit vehicles. All standard COTA codes of conduct and policies remain in place, including the requirement to exit buses at the end of each transit line.
To assist passengers, COTA operators and transit supervisors will be equipped with a list of designated warming and cooling centers. Customers can also find shelter locations by calling COTA Customer Care at 614-228-1776.
Key Takeaways
- COTA will waive transit fares during extreme heat or cold advisories issued by the National Weather Service.
- The policy covers all COTA bus routes, Mainstream services, and COTA//Plus.
- Residents can use the service to reach designated shelters, libraries, and recreation centers.
- COTA continues its existing fare waiver policy during Level 2 and Level 3 snow emergencies.
- Customers seeking shelter can call 614-228-1776 for assistance in finding the nearest location.
This proactive move by COTA ensures that cost will not be a barrier to safety, reinforcing a community-first approach to public transit during extreme weather conditions. 🚍❄️☀️
