COTA program teaches riders how to use services safely

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – The Central Ohio Transit Authority’s travel training program teaches people in the community about the public bus system and how to use it.  

The free travel training program provides access to everyone, but is beneficial to young people, teaching them to ride independently and confidently.   

“Through our program and through that hands-on experience, it gives them more confidence and allows them to get to get to where they're going,” COTA Travel Trainer John Barrett said.

The courses can be taken in person or online and focus on learning how to plan a trip and reading COTA maps and schedules. Program leaders said many middle and high school students who don’t have access to transportation during the school year can be taught in one-on-one courses.   

“Recently, I helped a student who wanted to learn how to get to school from his house, and this person lives on the north end and goes to school on the west end,” Barrett said. “So we meet this individual at their home, we walked them to the bus stop, and explained how our bus stop signs worked.” 

Some students are also eligible for unlimited rides with a Student Success card or a Smart ID; children under 12 in the program must be accompanied by an adult. In 2024, there were more than 5,000 training trips and the hope is to continue growing that number.

“My hope for the program is for us to expand is to reach more people,” Barrett said. “We are reaching a lot of people in their own community. But as more people are and come into our community, my hope is to be able to reach out to expand those individuals.”

To sign up for the free travel training program, click here.