page_title: Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ohio
section_title: On public transportation
hierarchical_section_title: Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ohio / On public transportation
caption_attribution_description: English: COTA bus in Columbus, Ohio. Rear door boarding only due to coronavirus.
context_page_description: The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the US state of Ohio in multiple ways.
context_section_description: In early March, as the pandemic began affecting Columbus, the city's public transit ridership began dropping, approximately 40 percent. Its public transit agency COTA began by introducing thorough cleaning measures, followed by reducing several rush hour services on March 17. On March 19, it suspended fare collection, making all rides temporarily free, and required passengers to board and depart buses from the rear doors. On the same day, it also modified all rush hour lines, and suspended its AirConnect and Night Owl services. On March 20, the agency recommended only using its services for essential travel; two days later it shut down several rush hour services and reduced frequencies of nine crosstown lines. On March 24, it stopped all rush hour services until further notice. On March 26, the agency began "dynamic service" to pick up customers left at bus stops by too-full buses; the agency's current policy is for a maximum of 20 passengers per bus.
  By April 11, the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority began requiring riders to wear face coverings.
caption: COTA buses notify riders to board using rear doors only
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