The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) is joining local efforts to offer residents a break from the heat with a break on bus fare.
Due to the extreme temperatures, which are expected to remain in the 90s for several days, COTA will be waiving fares systemwide from June 22 to 24. The no-fare policy applies to all transit vehicles, including fixed-route buses, Mainstream and COTA//Plus.
COTA suspends fares for passengers on all transit vehicles on all routes whenever the National Weather Service issues a heat or cold advisory or warning. An extreme heat advisory for central Ohio will be in effect from noon on June 22 through 8 p.m. June 24.
COTA offers this service to provide people who need reduced exposure to extreme temperatures with safe and reliable transportation to facilities that offer relief, including warming and cooling centers, libraries, recreation centers, and other places of shelter.
Entertainment and Things to Do reporter Belinda M. Paschal can be reached at bpaschal@dispatch.com.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: COTA waiving fares amid extreme heat advisory impacting Columbus and the Midwest
Reporting by Belinda M. Paschal, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
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