Central Ohio Transit Authority Launches Open Payments with Masabi

The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) and Masabi announced today the launch of Open Payments across COTA’s network, allowing riders to pay fares simply by tapping a contactless payment card or device. The new service builds on COTA’s pioneering implementation of Account-Based Ticketing (ABT) with smartcards and mobile app, launched in partnership with Masabi in 2021, adding another convenient way for COTA riders to pay by tapping their payment card. 

With the addition of Open Payments, COTA riders can now pay for their trip directly with a contactless card or device, eliminating the need for a ticket, app, or reload, while automatically receiving the benefits of fare capping and concessions, helping ensure equitable pricing and added convenience. Through account linking, riders can register their contactless card to view payment history and apply concessions to their account, guaranteeing that they always pay the correct reduced fare when eligible. Combined with fare capping, this ensures that all riders benefit from the lowest available fare, removing financial barriers and promoting fairness across the system.
 

“As we continue to grow and expand transit service across the region, COTA must make it as easy and convenient to ride as possible, and Tap to Pay helps us deliver a smarter, more connected transit system,” said COTA President/CEO Monica Téllez-Fowler. “We know that transit is at the heart of economic mobility and getting the most from everything we have in Central Ohio. Tap to Pay removes barriers to using transit, especially for new or occasional riders, helping all of our residents have access to food, jobs, healthcare, and entertainment.”
 
“COTA was one of the country’s earliest adopters of Account-Based Ticketing, and today’s launch of Open Payments cements its position as a leader in fare innovation,” said Brian Zanghi, CEO at Masabi. “By enabling riders to tap and pay directly with a contactless card or mobile wallet, we’re helping COTA deliver the most convenient, inclusive, and efficient fare system possible. In 2025, Open Payments deployments are accelerating as it offers a practical and proven model for agencies of all sizes to help them simplify operations, improve accessibility, and meet the expectations of modern riders.”
 

COTA operates fixed-route buses, bus rapid transit, microtransit, and paratransit services across the Columbus metropolitan area, serving nearly 12 million riders annually. The addition of Open Payments completes the evolution of COTA’s fare system, which already enables riders to purchase and manage passes through the Transit app, use COTA Smartcards, and even purchase fares directly within Google Maps.
 
By adopting Masabi’s Justride platform, which powers Open Payments through a single, cloud-based back office, COTA continues to simplify the rider experience and advance its vision of accessible, equitable mobility for Central Ohio.
 
This launch reinforces COTA’s commitment to modernizing public transportation and ensuring that fare systems keep pace with the needs of today’s riders, making transit throughout the Columbus region faster, fairer and easier than ever.