Transit systems and their technology partners are working together to adjust operations, provide passengers with up-to-date information, and ensure a safe transit environment.
The agency earned APTA's award in the midsize category, with an annual ridership between four million and 20 million.
Nominations for Lisa Rivera-LaMantia, senior project manager at COTA, and Walter Weichselbaumer, strategic account manager at Clever Devices, were approved on Sept. 26.
The association honored 13 individuals and organizations with awards for their leadership, vision, and lifetime commitment to public transportation and inducted four new members into the APTA Hall of Fame.
COTA//Plus Bus On-Demand transports multiple customers who hail a transit vehicle at the nearest transit stop through the COTA//Plus app.
The order also includes two ABB depot chargers and support for electric bus deployment and infrastructure development.
The award was announced by APTA and recognizes COTA for demonstrating excellence in providing mobility options for the Central Ohio region.
Customers in Westerville can use COTA//Plus to travel in the 16-square-mile defined zone or use the service to connect to COTA Lines 102 and CMAX.
The process was through a partnership with COTA and United Safety & Survivability Corp.
The three-month pilot will provide transit access for customers who are experiencing lost fixed-route service in parts of Northeast Columbus, Westerville, Gahanna, and New Albany.