COTA (Central Ohio Transit Authority)

Transportation · Ohio · Paid

Columbus metro area public bus system providing fixed-route, express, and COTA Plus paratransit services across Franklin County and surrounding areas. Purchase passes online, at retail locations, or on the bus with exact change. Call 614-228-1776 or visit cota.com for real-time routes, trip planning, and schedules. Customer service available Mon-Fri 6am-7pm. ADA paratransit service available for eligible riders who cannot use fixed-route buses.

Contact & Details

Address: 33 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215

Phone: 614-228-1776

Hours: Service hours vary by route; customer service Mon-Fri 6am-7pm

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About Transportation for Fathers

Transportation assistance helps fathers get to work, court, medical appointments, and childcare. Public transit passes are often available free or discounted through TANF, Medicaid non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), and social service agencies. Many job training programs cover bus passes. The Ways to Work program and some community action agencies provide low-interest car loans to working parents. State DMVs typically require proof of insurance and current registration; low-cost insurance programs exist for low-income drivers in several states (California's Low Cost Auto Insurance is one example). For rural fathers without reliable transit, dial-a-ride and volunteer driver programs are coordinated through Area Agencies on Aging and community action agencies. Medicaid NEMT covers rides to covered medical visits at no cost. This directory includes transit authorities, Medicaid NEMT providers, and car-ownership assistance programs.

Transportation in Ohio

Ohio has dedicated Domestic Relations Courts and Juvenile Courts (which handle paternity and unmarried-parent custody) in most counties. The Office of Child Support operates under JFS. Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo, and Akron anchor the major metros. The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland, Southeastern Ohio Legal Services, Legal Aid of Western Ohio, and Community Legal Aid cover the state.

More Transportation in Ohio

  • Greater Cleveland RTA (GCRTA) — Cleveland's regional public transit system operating bus routes, rapid transit rail lines (Red, Blue, Green, and Waterfront lines), and ADA
  • Cincinnati Metro (SORTA) — Greater Cincinnati's public bus system providing fixed-route and Access paratransit services across Hamilton County and connections into nor
  • Greater Dayton RTA — Dayton's regional transit authority operating fixed-route bus service, ADA paratransit, and a downtown trolley across Montgomery County. Cal
  • METRO RTA (Akron/Summit County) — Summit County's public transit system providing fixed-route bus service, SCAT ADA paratransit, and express routes connecting Akron and surro
  • TARTA (Toledo Area Regional Transit) — Toledo's public transit system providing fixed-route bus service, ADA paratransit, and Call-A-Ride demand-response services throughout the T
  • Ohio BMV (Bureau of Motor Vehicles) — Ohio's Bureau of Motor Vehicles handling driver's license issuance, state ID cards, vehicle registration, title transfers, and license plate

Transportation — Common Questions

Can I get help affording a car?
Some community action agencies and programs like Ways to Work, Wheels to Work, or Good News Garage offer low-interest loans or donated vehicles to working parents. Eligibility typically requires employment or training and income under a threshold. Waitlists can be long.
What is Medicaid NEMT?
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation — Medicaid must cover rides to and from covered medical appointments at no cost. Call the transportation number on the back of your Medicaid card to schedule. Rides must be arranged in advance (usually 2–3 business days).
Are there reduced-fare transit options?
Most transit agencies offer reduced fares for seniors, disabled riders, and Medicaid enrollees. TANF and some workforce programs include transit passes. Some employers subsidize transit through pre-tax benefits. Contact your local transit authority for eligibility.
What if I live in a rural area with no bus?
Dial-a-ride services, volunteer driver programs through Area Agencies on Aging, rural transit partnerships, and Medicaid NEMT serve rural residents. Community action agencies coordinate much of this. Call 211 for a local referral.