COLUMBUS, Ohio (WTVN)--The Central Ohio Transit Authority will resume charging riders normal fares in January.
The agency says it begins January 11th, with the rates the same as they have been since 2012. The fares resume that day for all fixed-route transit lines. Fares for COTA Mainstream and Mainstream on-demand services resumes February 1st.
COTA suspended fares at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, in March. The agency adds that students and workers affiliated with a school or business, that has transit paid for by their school or employer, will also resume using the smartphone app or employment/student ID on January 11th.
Customers eligible for discounted fares can continue to use those programs through COTA's non-profit partners.
Riders can also purchase new passes on December 14th. COTA also continues to implement safety and sanitization protocols, like masks required for all riders, lower capacity on all fixed-route buses, and additional vehicle for high-ridership lines.