The Central Ohio Transit Authority’s (COTA) September Service Changes take effect Sept. 7. In observance of Labor Day, buses will operate Holiday Service/Sunday Schedules.
This September, COTA will also expand its Bus on Shoulder program to I-670 in an effort to encourage the use of COTA as a faster alternative, reduce traffic and fully utilize the capacity of central Ohio’s highway system. Beginning Sept. 7, COTA buses will be authorized to travel along the left shoulder lane/inside berm on I-670 between Downtown and I-270 on the east side of Columbus. Since 2006, COTA buses have been authorized to travel in the right shoulder lane/outside berm on I-70 East between Downtown Columbus and State Route 256.
COTA makes adjustments to its service three times a year in January, May and September. COTA’s ongoing expansion program includes adding service hours in 2015. Service expansion includes service to new destinations, increased frequency of service on existing routes, and increased spans of service.
COTA is also in the process of implementing its Transit System Redesign (TSR). A comprehensive review of the system was performed in 2014 with the goal of improving the bus network to meet the changing needs of the region. Recommendations from the TSR are being implemented over a three year period, and began during the January Service Change.
