Case Studies COTA Plus: Combining public transportation and technology to make a city smarter.

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	COTA Plus: Combining public transportation and technology to make a city smarter.

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 Networks & Connectivity - Cellular
Applicable Industries	Cities & Municipalities Transportation
Applicable Functions	Business Operation Logistics & Transportation
Use Cases	Fleet Management Public Transportation Management Remote Asset Management Smart City Operations
Services	Software Design & Engineering Services System Integration
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. Read More
About 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. Read More
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. Read More Log in to view content
Contents

Technology Category

Functional Applications - Fleet Management Systems (FMS)

Functional Applications - Remote Monitoring & Control Systems

Networks & Connectivity - Cellular

Applicable Industries

Cities & Municipalities

Transportation

Applicable Functions

Business Operation

Logistics & Transportation

Use Cases

Fleet Management

Public Transportation Management

Remote Asset Management

Smart City Operations

Services

Software Design & Engineering Services

System Integration

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 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.

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.

Impact #1	From December 2019 to December 2020, ridership increased nearly 4x, unlocking access to 19 of the city’s fixed transit routes.
Impact #2	COTA and Via implemented social distancing protocols to ensure rider and driver safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Impact #3	96% of COTA Plus/Bus On-demand’s riders have rated the service 5 out of 5 stars, with more than 5,000 riders completing upwards of 18,000 rides since launch.

Impact #1

From December 2019 to December 2020, ridership increased nearly 4x, unlocking access to 19 of the city’s fixed transit routes.

Impact #2

COTA and Via implemented social distancing protocols to ensure rider and driver safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Impact #3

96% of COTA Plus/Bus On-demand’s riders have rated the service 5 out of 5 stars, with more than 5,000 riders completing upwards of 18,000 rides since launch.

Benefit #1	83% of fixed routes connect to the on-demand service.
Benefit #2	13x increase in service coverage.

Benefit #1

83% of fixed routes connect to the on-demand service.

Benefit #2

13x increase in service coverage.

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Overview

COTA Plus: Combining public transportation and technology to make a city smarter.

Operational Impact

Quantitative Benefit