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COTA to introduce reduced fare program for low-income riders

A COTA bus stop in downtown Columbus.
Adora Namigadde
/
WOSU

COTA bus riders receiving public income assistance will soon be able to ride for only 50% of the fare.

The six-month pilot program starts in March and expands those eligible for reduced fares through the transit authority's account-based fare management system. Riders will have to show proof of receiving either SNAP food aid, publicly funded childcare, Ohio Works First Cash assistance, Medicaid or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families.

Seniors, children, veterans and qualifying disabled customers already receive the half-price rider fees.

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Debbie Holmes began her career in broadcasting in Columbus after graduating from The Ohio State University. She left the Buckeye state to pursue a career in television news and worked as a reporter and anchor in Moline, Illinois and Memphis, Tennessee.