COTA Keeps Central Ohio Moving Despite Winter Storm Fern

Transit authority faced challenges but maintained service during Level 3 snow emergency

Jan. 28, 2026 at 4:55pm

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As Winter Storm Fern brought heavy snow to central Ohio, the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) continued operating its bus routes, even as 40 buses got stuck in the snow on January 25th. COTA spokesperson Jeff Pullin said the authority has provided uninterrupted service for over 52 years, including during the pandemic, and was determined to keep serving the public during the storm. While COTA operated at around 60% of normal service levels due to staffing challenges, all routes remained covered, and the agency waived fares to assist riders.

Why it matters

COTA's ability to maintain public transportation during extreme weather events is crucial for central Ohio residents who rely on buses to get to work, medical appointments, and other essential destinations. The transit authority's performance during Winter Storm Fern demonstrates its commitment to the community and highlights the importance of reliable public transit, even in the face of challenging conditions.

The details

COTA bus operator Robert Jefferson described the difficulties of driving in the storm, with buses frequently getting stuck in the snow. At one point, nine COTA buses were stuck within a six-block radius in downtown Columbus. The agency faced staffing challenges as call-outs affected afternoon and evening shifts, but still managed to cover all routes, even operating at around 60% of normal service levels. COTA also kept its Mainstream service for people with disabilities running, though it was limited to "life-critical" trips only on January 26th and 27th.

  • On January 25th, Franklin County was under a Level 3 snow emergency, the first time COTA had to operate in such conditions.
  • By January 26th, Franklin County was downgraded to a Level 2 snow emergency, resulting in fewer buses getting stuck as road conditions improved throughout the day.
  • On January 27th, 71% of COTA's operators were able to get to work, and no buses got stuck in the snow.

The players

Robert Jefferson

A COTA bus operator with 18 years of experience who was driving during the storm and described the challenges of keeping buses moving in the heavy snow.

Jeff Pullin

A spokesperson for COTA who emphasized the transit authority's commitment to providing uninterrupted service, even during extreme weather events like Winter Storm Fern.

Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA)

The public transportation agency serving central Ohio, which continued operating its bus routes throughout the winter storm, despite facing challenges like buses getting stuck in the snow.

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What they’re saying

“I love picking up people. I love helping people. My wife didn't want me to go out because it was a Level 3 [snow emergency]. And I said, 'Well, we have to go out.' You know, we have to take care of the public.”

— Robert Jefferson, COTA Bus Operator (The Columbus Dispatch)

“That's 52 years of providing service. We provide service on Christmas Day. We provided service every day during the pandemic.”

— Jeff Pullin, COTA Spokesperson (The Columbus Dispatch)

What’s next

COTA plans to continue offering free fares at least through January 29th, with the possibility of further fare suspensions into the weekend as the agency monitors weather conditions and community needs.

The takeaway

COTA's performance during Winter Storm Fern underscores the vital role public transportation plays in keeping a community connected, even in the face of extreme weather. The transit authority's commitment to serving riders, even when conditions are challenging, demonstrates its value as an essential service for central Ohio residents.