How to rideGUIDE

January 2012

WELCOME ABOARD

Because traffic is unpredictable at

times, arrive at your bus stop five minutes before your bus is scheduled to be at the stop. Check the sign above the front windshield for the line number and destination.

Arrive early

Taking a COTA bus for the first time or heading to a new destination? This guide can help you. Riding COTA starts with knowing where you want go, when you want to go. Then, you can plan your trip by looking at a COTA map, calling (614) 228-1776 or by using the Google Trip Planner on www.cota.com. Youll need: Departure time and address or intersection Destination address or intersection

Get on the bus

the bus stopCOTA has two types of bus stop signs. Look for your line on the bus stop sign to make sure your bus stops at this location. Stand next to the designated stop sign in order for the bus to pick you up.

Get on the busFirst pay your fare, then find a seat or move toward the rear. Note, the seats in the front of the bus are for people with

disabilities and older adultsthe driver will ask you to accommodate these riders.

pay fareThere are two ways to pay your fare when you board the bus. Insert cash into the farebox or use a bus pass.CashYou must have exact fare in bills or coins. COTA does not provide change. If you need a transfer pass, ask the bus operator before you pay. Transfers are free and valid for two hours from the time issued. Transfers can only be used to continue your trip in one direction.Bus passesDayPasses can be purchased on the bus. Tell your driver before you pay. All other bus passes must be purchased in advance at COTA Pass Sales, 33 N. High St., or at Kroger, Giant Eagle or other outlets. Visit www.cota.com for a list of places to buy passes.

Exit the backdoorExiting through the backdoor helps keep the buses running on time. The backdoor will only open when the bus is at a complete stop. Some backdoors have a green light to let you know the door is ready to open. Push on the door to exit.

Signal to stopListen for your stop to be

announced in advance. When the bus is approaching your stop, pull

the cord located by the window near your seat to ring the stop signal. Exit through the backdoor.

DING

passes COTA offers a variety of transit passes to meet your needs. Passes can be purchased at COTA Pass Sales at 33 N. High St., designated pass outlets or by mail. When purchasing by mail, send check or money order to COTA Pass Sales, 33 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43215. Please allow 10 days for processing.

Monthly Mainstream $105.00

PASSES

MAINSTREAM PASS

unlimited trips31-DAY purchase in advance

DAYPASS

7-DAY PASS purchase in advance $25.00

LocalExpressDiscountwith Senior, Key or ADA ID or children 48 tall and over, up to 12 years of age

Local purchased on busDiscount purchase in advancewith Senior, Key or ADA ID or children48 tall and over, up to 12 years of age

Local

$62.00$85.00$31.00

$4.50$2.25

NOTE: Fares are subject to change.

Fares Cash Fares: Fareboxes accept both bills and coins. Bus operators carry no cash.

MAINSTREAM FARESADA one-way Non-ADAWill Call

$3.50$5.00$4.00

REGULAR single trip

REDUCED single trip

Local, CrosstownExpress LINK TransferTrip Ticket2-Trip Ticket

$2.00$2.75$1.00Free*$2.00$4.00

Discount with Senior, Key or ADA ID or children48" tall and over, up to 12 years of age

LINKChildrenunder 48" tall, limit three with adult,DOES NOT INCLUDE GROUPS

$1.00

$0.50Free

*Must request upon boarding, valid for two hours.

Additional $0.75 required to ride Express buses when paying withLocal fare media, including transfers.

Every COTA fixed-route bus is equipped with a bike rack that holds two bikes. Loading your bike is easy.

1. Squeeze the bike rack handle to drop the rack.2. Set your tires in the wheel wells.3. Pull the rack arm up and over your front tire, close to, but not touching your frame.

When you exit the bus, remind the driver that you will be removing your bike. If you forget your bike on the bus, call COTAs Lost and Found at (614) 228-1776.

bike n bus

1 2

3

Park & RideDowntown commuters can park free at one of 29 park and ride locations and COTA will take you Downtown quickly, safely and for less money. Park and ride locations and the lines serving them are available at www.cota.com or (614) 228-1776.

COTA operates 365 days a year and maintains over 4,000 bus stops, 300 shelters and 29 park and rides throughout central Ohio. Thanks to the support of our community, COTA is committed to adding 30,000 service hours every year.

FeedbackEvery January, May and September, COTA makes service adjustments largely based on customer feedback. You can contact Customer Service at (614) 228-1776 or attend public comment meetings held several times throughout the year (dates listed on www.cota.com).

Customer Service(614) 228-1776Access COTAs automated information system anytime or speak to a representative during these hours:Monday-Friday, 6 a.m.-8 p.m.Saturday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.Holidays, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.(Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day)

COTA Pass Sales33 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43215Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. On the last business day and first two business days of the month, open 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

Lost and Found(614) 228-1776To claim a lost item, you must provide an accurate description of the item and a photo ID at COTA Pass Sales, 33 N. High St., Monday-Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Mainstream and accessible information (614) 308-4403(614) 275-5878 TTY/TTD

About COTAADA serviceAll COTA buses are accessible for mobility devices including wheelchairs and three-wheeled scooters. COTA also offers paratransit service for eligible persons, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, who are unable to use the fixed-route service as a result of disability. Call COTAs Mainstream program(614) 275-5828 or visit www.cota.com for more information.

Travel TrainingCOTA is here to help you get comfortable riding the bus. To schedule a training session for your group, call (614) 275-5828.

Accessible formatsCOTA information is available in accessible formats including audiotape, large print and Braille. Call (614) 308-4403 for accessible format information. Call (614) 275-5878 for TTY/TTD.

A COTA Senior ID qualifies you for half-off discount on 31-Day passes and DayPasses for adults 65 years or older. The passes are sold at COTA Pass Sales and participating central Ohio Kroger stores. Senior IDs are made Monday-Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. at COTA Pass Sales, 33 N. High St. Applicants must show Social Security card, picture ID and proof of age (State ID or birth certificate).

Senior services

Card Number

Date Issued

Expiration Date

President/CEO

SENIOR CARD

JANE SMITH

101910

101919

0

cota.com

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