COTA, Columbus alt-transit companies mark milestones

A Federal Transit Administration executive delivered the keynote speech at the Central Ohio Transit Authority's 2014 meeting and luncheon, which focused on "Driving the Future: the Next Generation of Public Transit."

As COTA celebrates its 40th anniversary, the agency is soliciting community input (Tweet to #COTANextGen) on what the future of transit in Columbus should look like. COTA debuted a number of tech updates and routes in 2014, including the Downtown Circulator and SmartRide New Albany express service.

COTA President and CEO Curtis Stitt has praised the private companies that provide alternative connection modes for COTA riders, including CoGo Bike Share and Car2Go.

CoGo marked a year in business this summer by adding more bikes at its most popular station spots. The bike sharing service also won a five-year sponsorship grant from Medical Mutual of Ohio totaling $1.25 million.

Smartcar sharing service Car2Go Columbus will also celebrate its one year anniversary in October.

For a detailed look at the past, present and future of public transit in central Ohio as compared to other cities, see "Will Congested Roads Slow Down Business Growth?"