Announcement4/19/2022

COTA Lifts Mask Requirements After Federal Ruling

Following a federal ruling and announcement from the Transportation Security Administration, the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) will no longer require masks on all transit vehicles or facilities, effective immediately. Masks are now optional for COTA customers and employees, and they are still encouraged by the CDC.

Given the sudden nature of this announcement, it will take time before all COTA employees receive this policy change. Customers might experience inconsistent enforcement during the next 24 hours as this announcement circulates, and we ask them to exhibit understanding and patience during this brief period. It will also take time to fully communicate to customers through social media, vehicle signage and onboard audio announcements, regarding the end of the mask requirement.

COTA will continue to follow strict and thorough cleaning and sanitization guidelines that have made us one of the few transit organizations in the country to earn the prestigious Global BioRisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR™ accreditation.