<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3JcLK7_1GzP0arh00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3JcLK7_1GzP0arh00" width="1920" height="1080" ><figcaption>Photo by Walker Evans.</figcaption></figure>The C-Pass program, which provides free bus passes for Downtown workers, will be discontinued at the end of 2026.First launched as a small pilot project in 2015, the program was fully established in 2018 by the Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District (SID). The free rides were previously funded by both the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) and through assessments of Downtown property owners, but when Downtown Columbus Inc. (DCI) took over many of the operations of the Capital Crossroads and Discovery District SIDs, the future of the program was in doubt.Both of the Downtown SIDs officially ceased operations last fall.There were also earlier signs that continuing the program was not a priority for DCI or the city; one of the complaints from city leaders about the Downtown SIDs was that the organizations had started programs like C-Pass that were not directly related to what they considered the primary “clean-and-safe” mission of the groups.Late last year, COTA announced that it would help fund and operate the program in 2026, but could not guaranteed its future beyond that.“COTA and the MORPC set aside funding to continue C-Pass through the end of this year; however, there is no available funding to continue the program in 2027 and beyond,” said COTA spokesperson Jeff Pullin, explaining that Downtown property owners are no longer being assessed by the SID. “For those who have relied on C-Pass for travel over the past several years, we know this news comes as a disappointment.”Downtown workers who are currently enrolled in the program can continue to use it through December 31.“COTA is engaging with organizations on new options for convenient, reduced-fare transit that would be available for customers throughout our service territory, not just specifically one zone,” added Pullin. “We are optimistic that we will be able to announce one or more of these new partnerships early in 2027.”Some of the options that have been considered include bulk discounts, which employers could take advantage of to provide passes for their workers.Marc Conte, who played a key role in implementing the C-Pass program as the Deputy Director and later Executive Director of the Downtown SIDs, said that the pandemic had a big impact on commuting patterns in Columbus.“The post-COVID commuting landscape is completely different given the number of people who work from home a few days a week,” he said. “Downtown C-pass remained a useful program but it became clear that a new funding mechanism and discount structure was needed…plus COTA had been wanting to unify the multiple bulk pass programs that had been created over decades.”“Downtown C-pass was wildly successful in the first iteration prior to COVID,” Conte added. “It doubled ridership among eligible workers in three months—a sizable mode shift that’s unheard of. It boosted recruitment and reduced turnover among service workers at places like hotels and restaurants, and it freed up parking which made room to attract more office tenants. COTA, MORPC, and the Downtown property owners should be proud of what they accomplished.”For more information, see www.cota.com.</div></body>

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The C-Pass program, which provides free bus passes for Downtown workers, will be discontinued at the end of 2026. First launched as a small pilot project in 2015, the program was fully established in 2018 by the Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District (SID). The free rides were previously funded by both the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) and through assessments of Downtown property owners, but when Downtown Columbus Inc. (DCI) took over many of the operations of the Capital Crossroads and Discovery District SIDs, the future of the program was in doubt.

Free Bus Ride Program to be Discontinued

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The C-Pass program, which provides free bus passes for Downtown workers, will be discontinued at the end of 2026. First launched as a small pilot project i

Free Bus Ride Program to be Discontinued

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