COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Voters in central Ohio will have one less barrier getting to the polls on Election Day as the Central Ohio Transit Authority will “waive all transit fares for
all customers” on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024.

In a news release, COTA stated that the free rides will apply to “COTA’s fixed-route system, COTA Mainstream, Mainstream On-Demand and COTA//Plus.”

“Since 2019, COTA has proudly waived fares on general election days to ensure that transportation is not a barrier for customers to exercise their right to vote,” said COTA Board of Trustees Chair Marlon Moore. “I am proud our board recognizes that voting access includes the need for equitable mobility options and will waive fares once again.”

COTA suggested the best way for riders to make it to the ballot box is to check their polling location on the Franklin County Board of Elections website, then plan their trip at COTA.com or on the Transit app with their smartphone.

Additionally, COTA announced that on Veterans Day, which will take place this year on Monday, Nov. 11, all fares will be waived for veterans and active military members. To board at no cost former and current service members can “provide military-issued identification to the transit operator when boarding, wear a veteran hat or article of clothing, or they can verbally identify as a veteran or member of the military.”

“Our veterans and active military have sacrificed so much of their time to protect our freedom, and we owe them our respect and gratitude on Veterans Day and every day,” said COTA President/CEO Monica Téllez-Fowler. “Since 2016, COTA has celebrated our veterans by waiving fares on this national holiday. This will help them attend remembrances and celebrations across our service area and participate in programs that help our American heroes.”

The transit provider also noted that veterans can already receive a 50% discount on all fares every day by applying at the COTA Customer Experience Center, 33 North High Street during business hours. This benefit can be added to a Transit app account or a COTA Smartcard with proof of veteran or active military status.

For more information on how to enroll in the veteran discount or other qualifying discounts, visit COTA’s discount fares webpage.