Data provided by the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) shows the agency had a rough year, with buses missing an average of 130 trips a day totaling more than 32,000 from January to August.
Matter News first reported that of nearly half a million trips during the time frame, more than 6% of buses, never showed up. Stranded riders say they'd like to see a fix to the issue soon.
Stan Watson rides the #6 bus from the Hilltop on Sullivant Avenue to work at a furniture bank, which was one of the most impacted lines. Watson told WOSU on Tuesday morning that sometimes the bus doesn't show up, but fortunately, work understands if he's a little late.
"Like last week, it happened a couple times, but I still have no other choice than to wait on the bus," Watson said. "It happens sometimes, but (COTA) is still good. They get you there."
The #7 bus was among several other lines heavily impacted. The #7 runs from downtown Columbus to Easton, with stops at John Glenn Columbus International Airport.
When asked about the missed trips by WOSU earlier this month, COTA CEO Monica Tellez-Fowler said the agency is working every day to improve reliability. She largely blames the 50 electric buses in the fleet, which become unreliable in the winter when cold temperatures reduce battery life.
"There's other pieces of it, when we don't have those 50 vehicles. It puts more pressure on our current fleet," Tellez-Fowler said.
Those other pieces include weather and the regular maintenance of the rest of the fleet, especially as COTA moves closer to providing 24-hour bus service.
Tellez-Fowler said there's a people element to this too if a bus driver calls off work.
The 2024 LinkUs sales tax was meant to improve the transit agency, like the reliability of buses.
Tellez-Fowler said the lofty goals funded by the sales tax, like adding bus rapid transit routes and 24-hour service, are still achievable.
"There's a lot going on, and the team is just acclimating, but I can guarantee you, there's a plan in place. What you will see is complete transparency with regard to our reliability," Tellez-Fowler said.
She said COTA is holding itself accountable and hopes people will see that.
"My hope is that people will trust that as we're sharing that and they see the improvement, they will give us a shot," Tellez-Fowler said.
Meanwhile, Watson and riders like him hope these issues are fixed soon.
