Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA)

Our region is rapidly growing – expected to reach a million more residents in the next 25 years! LinkUS Columbus will support the added population growth with more transportation options, sidewalks, bikeways and trails throughout the region to link communities together and increase opportunity for all. Learn how COTA will link us to even more at LinkUSColumbus.com.

On July 10, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded COTA a $22.8 million grant through the Buses and Bus Facilities Program.   FTA Acting Administrator Veronica Vanterpool awarded the grant to COTA President/CEO Monica Tellez-Fowler during a check presentation event, alongside Mayor Andrew Ginther, Columbus City Councilmember Lourdes Barroso de Padilla, MORPC Executive Director William Murdock and other COTA and local officials.   The grant will fund 10 new hydrogen fuel cell electric buses and support the construction of a new hydrogen fueling station at the McKinley Avenue facility. It will also help fund an additional 10 electric buses, contributing to COTA's goals of transitioning to a zero-emission bus fleet by 2035 and achieving net-zero carbon neutrality by 2045.   COTA President/CEO Monica Téllez-Fowler said, “We are grateful for this award from the FTA and its support of sustainable transit initiatives. This is a victory for our neighborhoods, directly impacting air quality and quality of life in the region while helping COTA support vibrant, healthy communities for everyone.”   Read the full story: https://lnkd.in/gKG-EPf4   #BusMonth City of Columbus

Congratulations to Ciara M. Walker for being named to Columbus Young Professionals (CYP) Club Next Up Columbus Class of 2024! Next Up Columbus honors dynamic, innovative and socially conscious young professionals who are making waves in Central Ohio, leaving an indelible mark on the future of our region. “Being chosen for the Next Up Columbus award means that I am on the rise, and to be considered an emerging leader within the community I come from is such an honor," Walker says. "This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication I’ve put into my journey, and it inspires me to leave a lasting impression on all those I encounter. This award will help me be a trailblazer in Columbus, identifying, creating and implementing ways to improve our communities as we continue to grow. It is truly an honor and I am eternally grateful for this recognition." Congratulations, Ciara! Keep moving every life forward!

Welcome back to Team COTA, Tanya Salyers! As the deputy chief of staff, Tanya will serve as an advisor and partner directly with COTA’s president/CEO and chief of staff to spearhead strategic initiatives that advance COTA’s mission and vision. She will provide strategic support, oversee day-to-day administrative operations and facilitate communication between the leadership team, division staff and the community.   Tanya most recently served as the director of advocacy for YWCA Columbus where she led the agency’s advocacy and public policy work, managing relationships with statewide and local associations, partner organizations and policymakers.   Before YWCA Columbus, Tanya was COTA’s community relations manager, fostering relationships with nonprofit and community stakeholders throughout our service area. She also served as the digital communications and engagement manager with Innovation Ohio, responsible for the strategy and implementation of fundraising, digital and grassroots engagement programs.   Welcome back, Tanya!

More walkable, connected communities increase opportunity for all! Learn more about the LinkUS Columbus initiative at LinkUSColumbus.com.

Want to be the first to know when transit corridor designs hit a milestone? Need info on the next public LinkUS event? All this and more is delivered to your inbox through the LinkUS monthly newsletter. Sign up and see the latest issue at https://lnkd.in/gU2mqZK6

A huge thank you to Team COTA and the PRIDE ERG for organizing yet another incredible celebration at the Stonewall Columbus Pride March this past weekend. Our wheels keep turning with pride, advocating for a world where every passenger is welcomed and every journey celebrated. 🌈

At COTA, we celebrate our incredible LGBTQIA+ Employee Resource Group (ERG) all year long!🌟 🌈 The PRIDE ERG at COTA fosters and maintains a safe and inclusive environment for LGBTQIA+ employees and allies. PRIDE offers resources and peer support, participates in events and builds a community where every voice is heard and everyone can be their authentic selves. Chief Equity Officer Monica Jones says, "There's room for all of us in the room. There's room for me to be me, and there's room for me to accept you for who you are." Learn more about our employee resource groups at: https://bit.ly/3KJgAB4 A special thank you to Stonewall Columbus 🌈

We are investing in the future of Central Ohio through LinkUS Columbus by expanding transit options to make travel easy, accessible and affordable.

🏆 We are thrilled to announce the winners of this year’s Cisco Customer Advocate Awards: Americas 2024! Each of these outstanding individuals has demonstrated exceptional dedication, innovation, and leadership in advocating for customer needs and driving success with Cisco solutions. 🎉 🔗 Check out the full blog post for more details on their inspiring stories and the impact they've made: http://cs.co/60415BoFB #CiscoLive #CiscoIIoT Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA)