COTA board adopts budget, which includes enhanced mobility options

The Central Ohio Transit Authority’s (COTA) board of trustees adopted the 2020 budget, which features new investments to enhance existing service, while adding new mobility options to the region.

The approximately $170 million budget includes an 8.9% increase in operational expenses over the amount reflected in the 2019 adjusted budget. Presented to the board by COTA CFO Angel Mumma, the budget authorizes COTA to use $6.9 million of its reserve fund.

“This budget reflects a significant investment in mobility for the community and a continued transition of COTA to a mobility integrator focused on services to create opportunities for all,” President/CEO Joanna M. Pinkerton said. “As our region experiences tremendous growth, demand for innovative solutions will increase, and COTA is committed to leading the way.”

Several 2020 budget highlights that will impact the community include:

• Expansion of the COTA Plus microtransit on-demand pilot in Grove City.
• New COTA Plus pilots in at least three additional neighborhoods/cities.
• Improvement of frequency to relieve overcrowding on the CMAX rapid transit line between downtown Columbus and Westerville.
• Further investment in mobility improvements and customer amenities along several corridors.
• Engineering and planning to plan for future additional rapid transit corridors across the county.
• An increase in the minimum wage for COTA employees to $15 per hour beginning January 1.