The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) and SaaS fare collection provider Masabi have announced the launch of Open Payments across COTA’s network.
COTA operates fixed-route buses, bus rapid transit, microtransit, and paratransit services across the Columbus metropolitan area, serving nearly 12 million riders annually.
This launch of Open Payments will enable riders to pay fares by tapping a contactless payment card or device.
The new service builds on COTA’s implementation of Account-Based Ticketing (ABT) with smartcards and mobile app.
Through account linking, riders can register their contactless card to view payment history and apply concessions to their account, guaranteeing that they always pay the correct reduced fare when eligible.
Combined with fare capping, this ensures that all riders benefit from the lowest available fare, removing financial barriers and promoting fairness across the system.
COTA president/CEO Monica Téllez-Fowler said: “As we continue to grow and expand transit service across the region, COTA must make it as easy and convenient to ride as possible, and Tap to Pay helps us deliver a smarter, more connected transit system.
“We know that transit is at the heart of economic mobility and getting the most from everything we have in Central Ohio.
“Tap to Pay removes barriers to using transit, especially for new or occasional riders, helping all of our residents have access to food, jobs, healthcare, and entertainment.”
