COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) announced its 2024 operating budget Wednesday.

What You Need To Know

  • The Central Ohio Transit Authority Board of Trustees approved a $196.5 million operating budget Wednesday

  • The budget was adopted unanimously

  • The operating budget is focused on investing in COTA's employees and continuing to improve transit service for the Columbus region

The $196.5 million budget was unanimously adopted. The budget is focused on investing in COTA's employees and continuing to improve transit service for the Columbus region, according to a press release.

“Conservative budgeting over the years continues to put COTA in a strong financial position to serve our community,” COTA Board of Trustees Chair Marlon Moore said in the press release. “This budget makes it clear that COTA prioritizes the continued recruitment of new frontline workers and the retention our all our valued employees.”

The 2024 operating budget includes:

  • Investment in employee recruitment, retention, and expanded benefits
  • Funding to increase service hours and the anticipation of nearly a 3% growth in ridership
  • Investment in process improvement and technology infrastructure to provide better customer service and protect employees and transit customers

“COTA’s 2024 budget continues to demonstrate our people-first philosophy of supporting our outstanding employees and customers who take millions of trips each year,” COTA President and CEO Joanna M. Pinkerton said in the press release. “I am grateful for the support of the COTA Board of Trustees as we further invest in building our workforce, improving access to sustainable, equitable and modern transit options as well as continuing the focus on building a system that connects our customers to economic and social prosperity for years to come.”

Related Stories