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COTA Plus: Combining public transportation and technology to make a city smarter.
Technology Category
- Functional Applications - Fleet Management Systems (FMS)
- Functional Applications - Remote Monitoring & Control Systems
Applicable Industries
- Transportation
- Cities & Municipalities
Applicable Functions
- Logistics & Transportation
- Business Operation
Use Cases
- Fleet Management
- Smart City Operations
- Public Transportation Management
- Remote Asset Management
Services
- System Integration
- Software Design & Engineering Services
The Challenge
The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) aimed to increase transit coverage and ridership in Columbus, Ohio. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a need to reevaluate underused fixed routes and analyze which areas could benefit from an on-demand service. The goal was to expand transit coverage and improve service efficiency by replacing and connecting to fixed routes with an on-demand service. This initiative was part of Columbus's broader effort to develop an integrated, first-of-its-kind smart transportation system that would use data, applications, and technology to help people and goods move more quickly, cheaply, and efficiently.
About The Customer
The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) is the public transit agency serving the Columbus, Ohio metropolitan area. Columbus is the 14th most populous city in the United States and has been recognized for its innovative approach to urban transportation. COTA's mission is to provide safe, reliable, and efficient public transportation services to the community. The agency has been proactive in adopting new technologies and strategies to enhance its service offerings, particularly in response to changing commuter needs and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. COTA's efforts are part of a larger initiative to make Columbus a 'smart city' by leveraging data and technology to improve urban mobility.
The Solution
In partnership with Via, COTA launched its first microtransit service in July 2019. This service, known as COTA Plus, provides point-to-point and first-and-last-mile transportation in various zones, including Grove City, South Side, Westerville, Northeast Columbus, and New Albany. Riders can book rides through a mobile application or by phone, and rides are free if making a connection to a fixed route service. The service covers 72 square miles across four zones and operates with a fleet of 3 large buses and 13 vans. The hours of service vary by zone, with some areas offering service seven days a week. The service is designed to cater to a diverse rider cohort, including commuters, residents, seniors, and students. COTA Plus has also introduced Via's first fully on-demand bus service in the United States, connecting riders to 19 different fixed routes, 10 of which were added after consulting with the Via Strategy team to address areas affected by the pandemic.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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