MENU
SEARCHThe agency earns Global Biorisk Advisory Council STAR accreditation for all seven of its facilities and its transit services, including fixed-route buses, paratransit, and on-demand services.
Since March 2020, COTA has implemented extensive cleaning and sanitization of transit vehicles, shelters, and facilities, including treating all surfaces with Aegis Microbe Shield.
COTA
The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) has become one of only two transit agencies in the U.S. to earn Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR accreditation.
GBAC is the cleaning industry’s standard of prepared facilities and the only outbreak prevention, response, and recovery accreditation for facilities. To obtain the GBAC STAR accreditation, organizations must have:
A cleaning, disinfection, and infectious disease prevention program to minimize risks associated with infectious agents such as COVID-19.
The proper cleaning protocols, disinfection techniques, and work practices in place to combat biohazards and infectious disease.
Highly informed cleaning professionals who are trained for an outbreak and infectious disease preparation and response.
COTA was recently evaluated and earned accreditation for all seven COTA facilities and its transit services, including fixed-route buses, paratransit, and on-demand services. Since March 2020, COTA has implemented extensive cleaning and sanitization of transit vehicles, shelters, and facilities, including treating all surfaces with Aegis Microbe Shield, which serves as a layer of protection from potentially harmful germs.
“We are incredibly proud to be one of the first transit agencies in the country to earn this prestigious certification,” said COTA President/CEO Joanna M. Pinkerton. “As Columbus works to safely recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, COTA and other organizations are ensuring that our residents and visitors have confidence in public transportation, hotels, convention, and sporting and concert venues. Our commitment to providing the best experience for our customers always begins with safety and we are grateful to Experience Columbus for leading this effort.”
In May 2020, Experience Columbus announced a citywide effort to help the organization’s industry sectors — event venues, transportation, lodging, and attractions — achieve GBAC STAR accreditation. Through the initiative, COTA became the first public transit system in the nation to apply and the second to be awarded.
“We’re proud to be one of only two destinations in the world that can offer a GBAC accredited public transit system,” said Experience Columbus President/CEO Brian Ross. “COTA is an essential piece of the visitor experience in Columbus, and we’re glad to know travelers can feel an added level of comfort now that the organization has received its GBAC STAR accreditation.”
METRO’s People Movement highlights the latest leadership changes, promotions, and personnel news across the public transit, motorcoach, and people mobility sectors.
Read More →
BART began offering select parking lots to non-BART riders to generate new revenue to help address its FY27 $376M operating budget deficit brought on by remote work.
Read More →
Agencies across the U.S. honored transit workers on March 18, recognizing the essential roles they play in keeping communities moving daily.
Read More →
Drawing on decades of industry experience, Evans-Benson offered insights into the differences between the two, along with tips for better customer engagement and more.
Read More →
The renewals include continued operations at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Florida; the PRTC in Virginia; and RTC Washoe in Nevada.
Read More →
The new system introduces tap-to-pay, touchscreen kiosks, and updated Breeze cards, with both old and new systems running through May.
Read More →
The governor’s proposed auto insurance reforms could save the agency $48 million annually by limiting payouts in crashes where buses are not primarily at fault.
Read More →
What truly drives the cost of a paratransit fleet? Beyond the purchase price, seven operational factors quietly determine maintenance frequency, downtime, and long-term service reliability. This whitepaper explores how these factors shape lifecycle cost and what agencies should evaluate when selecting paratransit vehicles.
Read More →
In this conversation, TBC’s Executive Director Ed Redfern, President Corey Aldridge, and Washington Representative Joel Rubin outline the coalition’s key policy priorities, the challenges facing transit agencies, and how industry stakeholders can work together to strengthen the voice of bus transit at the federal level.
Read More →
Amanda Wanke, who has worked at DART for 10 years, including the past 2½ years as CEO, will join Metro Transit as deputy chief operating officer, operations administration.
Read More →
