The Central Ohio Transit Authority launches its first on-demand, app-based service in Grove City on Monday.
COTA Plus customers can request a ride using the mobile app. The company promises that within 15 minutes, a six-person vehicle will respond and arrive to the pickup location.
“On-board communication, analytics and concepts that are thought of here, developed here in Ohio and put into our system, along with uniquely trained operators, will allow us to provide on demand app-based service for the first time in COTA’s history," says COTA CEO Joanna Pinkerton.
Users will be able to travel anywhere within a 5.5-sq.-mile designated zone that includes Mount Carmel Grove City and Southpark Industrial Area.
Pinkerton says the service aims to increase accessibility.
“COTA Plus will specifically target residents who are struggling with access to mobility options – hospitals, retail, educational institutions,” Pinkerton says.
If COTA deems the program successful, it will expand its area of service, or perhaps set up similar programs in other areas.
The service will operate Monday-Friday from 5:30 a.m.-8 p.m. COTA says it will monitor the program’s success and determine whether to add weekend hours.
Base fare is $3 a ride, and a day pass is $6.
