In a move designed to streamline the fare payment process for bus riders, the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) has unveiled its new Tap to Pay system across its fleet. This feature enables passengers to board buses by tapping a credit card, debit card, or mobile device—such as those using Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay—directly on the fare box. As reported by WBNS, COTA spokesperson Jeff Pullin described the new payment option as a response to the evolving preferences of riders, noting the convenience for those accustomed to digital transactions.
The introduction of this technology not only caters to the digital shift but also introduces an automatic fare capping feature, ensuring that riders will not pay more than $4.50 per day or $62 per month, regardless of the number of trips taken. As highlighted by a regular COTA user, David Rogers, in an interview with WBNS, the update is "long overdue," considering the waning use of cash among the population. Conversely, another rider, Africa Moore, greeted the news with enthusiasm, indicating the convenience it brings, especially in situations where a pass is forgotten.
Emphasizing user-friendliness and efficiency, COTA President/CEO Monica Téllez-Fowler described the Tap to Pay service as a crucial development in the growth of the region's public transportation offerings, as conveyed by COTA's press release. This sentiment was echoed by COTA's Chief Innovation and Technology Officer, Sophia Mohr, who pointed out the effort put into integrating this technology to offer customers quicker boarding times and confidence in their travel fares.
For clarity, customers are advised to use the same payment method for each ride to benefit from the fare capping system, which also automatically applies two-hour fare-free transfers. While the tap-to-pay method simplifies the boarding process, COTA riders can still opt for traditional payment methods, as reported by FOX28. These include the Transit app, smartcards, ULTRA Light Card passes, and cash. Moreover, participants in COTA’s Reduced Fare Program can link their payment methods to their digital COTA accounts to ensure they receive their benefits.
