Moving Every Life Forward: How COTA is enhancing Transit with Innovation | Joanna Pinkerton

Mid-size transit agencies play a crucial role in providing accessible and affordable transportation options to communities worldwide, especially in areas with lower population densities and limited resources. In the United States, the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) is one such agency that operates around 350 buses on 42 routes, serving over 20 million riders annually. COTA faces a unique set of challenges, such as securing funding for capital projects and operations, optimizing routes using technology and data analysis, and attracting and retaining ridership. However, the agency has taken innovative measures to address these challenges, such as implementing a creative funding model to support transit services and investing in various capital projects, including bus rapid transit, on-demand mobility, and technology. These initiatives and practices make COTA a reference point for other transit agencies looking to innovate and improve their services.

Joanna Pinkerton is President and CEO of the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA). COTA is the public transit agency that serves the Columbus, Ohio metropolitan area, providing transportation to nearly 19 million passengers annually. She assumed the role in April 2018, becoming the second woman to lead the organization in its history. Under her leadership, COTA has focused on improving service for customers, including increasing the frequency of buses on high-demand routes and launching new programs like COTA Plus, a micro-transit service that provides on-demand transportation within certain zones in the Columbus, Ohio area. Prior to joining COTA, she served as the Chief Operating Officer for the Transportation Research Center. She also held several leadership positions at The Ohio State University and the Ohio Department of Transportation. She is a strong advocate for public transportation and its role in promoting economic development and social equity.