Central Ohio Transit Authority and Ohio State University are moving bus access for eligible campus riders from the physical BuckID card to the Ohio State mobile app, allowing students, faculty and staff to scan a digital pass when they board.
The feature, which became available Thursday, is open to eligible Ohio State students and to faculty and staff enrolled in COTA’s payroll-deduction bus-pass program. Riders can access the pass by opening the Ohio State app, selecting “For You” and then “COTA Ticket,” and scanning the QR code at boarding.
Ohio State officials framed the move as part of an effort to consolidate everyday student services on mobile devices. “Students already manage so much of their university experience from their phones,” said Lynne Sanbe, Ohio State’s associate vice president and chief applications officer. “By integrating COTA access into the Ohio State app, we’re creating a more convenient, connected experience.”