COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) is rolling out a new pilot program that will extend fare discounts to help low-income customers.
According to a release, the COTA Board of Trustees on Wednesday approved the six-month pilot program where low-income customers who participate in a public assistance program will be eligible for 50% fare discounts.
The assistance programs include the following:
- SNAP food assistance
- Publicly funded childcare
- Ohio Works First cash assistance
- Prevention, Retention and Contingency emergency assistance
- Medicaid
- Temporary Assistance to Needy Families
Starting March 1, qualifying customers can apply for the discounted rates at COTA's Customer Experience Center, located at 33 North High Street.
Applicants will need to provide proof of enrollment in a public assistance program. The discount will not apply to cash-paying customers who are not using the company's new account-based system, according to COTA.
Seniors, children, veterans and qualifying disabled customers are already eligible for the 50% fare discount.