Central Ohio Transit Authority riders can now tap to pay for rides.
COTA leaders said the system is more efficient and accessible for residents and visitors.
"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 President and CEO Monica Téllez-Fowler said in a statement.
Starting this week, customers can purchase fare by tapping a debit or credit card, or a digital wallet from a phone or smart watch. Riders will know their payment has been accepted when the fare box flashes green.
COTA riders who use the same payment method each time will pay a maximum of $4.50 a day, or $62 per calendar month for fares. Two-hour fare-free transfers are also automatically applied.
Each payment method can only be used for one rider at a time. Riders who travel together must each use their own form of payment. Smartcard family accounts are available for customers who want to use a single payment method for traveling companions.
COTA buses will still accept $2 cash fares, COTA smartcards and payment through the Transit app.
