COTA Extends Free Bus Fares Through Tuesday as Snowstorm Persists
Updated (2 articles)
Free‑Fare Period Initiated Friday Amid Cold Advisory Extension COTA announced that all bus fares are waived from Friday through Tuesday, directly responding to the National Weather Service’s extension of the cold weather advisory for Franklin County. The agency’s policy automatically suspends fares whenever the NWS issues a heat or cold advisory or warning, aiming to eliminate travel barriers during hazardous conditions. This waiver began Friday and will remain in effect through the upcoming Tuesday, covering the peak of the storm’s impact [1].
Buses Remain in Service Despite Level 3 Snow Emergency Level 3 snow emergency now covers most central Ohio counties, yet COTA confirmed that every bus line continues to run on schedule. The authority is providing essential transportation for residents who need to travel for work, medical appointments, or supplies despite the severe weather. Maintaining full service underscores COTA’s commitment to mobility even when many other services are curtailed [1].
Storm Delivered Up to 16 Inches, Subzero Wind Chills Expected Winter Storm Warning envelops Columbus and surrounding areas until Monday morning, bringing snowfall totals of up to 16 inches—ranking as the fifth‑largest storm on record for the city. Forecasts predict subzero temperatures to persist for the next week, with wind chills ranging from –10 °F to –20 °F on Monday and Tuesday mornings. These conditions are expected to continue affecting travel and outdoor activities throughout the region [1].
Timeline
Jan 19, 2026 – COTA waives fares on Jan 19 and Jan 20 because a Cold Weather Advisory covers Franklin County; the agency “will not charge riders on fixed‑route buses, Mainstream, and COTA/Plus on those days” [2].
Jan 19, 2026 – Since the day is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, COTA runs all buses on Sunday schedules and limits COTA/Plus service to south Columbus, reshaping rider access during the cold snap [2].
Jan 20, 2026 – COTA continues fare‑free service as wind chills plunge to –5 °F to –15 °F; emergency officials warn residents to use heating sources safely, with Deputy Director Garrett Blevins urging “careful use of temporary heating sources” [2].
Jan 23, 2026 – COTA extends free‑fare service from Friday through Tuesday (Jan 23‑27) after the National Weather Service extends the Cold Weather Advisory for Franklin County; the waiver “began Friday after cold advisory extension” [1].
Jan 24‑25, 2026 – A Winter Storm Warning dumps up to 16 inches of snow, making it the fifth‑largest storm on record for Columbus; a Level 3 snow emergency is declared on Sunday, yet “all bus lines remain in service” [1].
Jan 26‑27, 2026 – Subzero temperatures and wind chills of –10 °F to –20 °F persist through the week; COTA’s policy automatically suspends fares whenever the NWS issues a heat or cold advisory, reinforcing the ongoing fare‑free period [1].