COTA Awards Contract for Up to 45 CNG Buses to Support Bus Rapid Transit Expansion
The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) has awarded a contract to New Flyer of America to supply up to 45 compressed natural gas (CNG) heavy-duty transit buses.
The contract includes a firm order for 12 buses, with options for COTA to purchase an additional 33 buses. The new buses will replace end-of-life vehicles and support the launch of bus rapid transit (BRT) service in Columbus and surrounding communities.
The project is funded by the federal Low or No Emission (Low-No) Grant Program, which was secured through a successful collaboration between New Flyer and COTA in 2025. This marks COTA's first purchase of 60-foot New Flyer articulated buses as the agency expands high-capacity transit service across Central Ohio.
COTA is currently working on three BRT projects: West Broad Street, East Main Street, and Northwest. The new buses will play a key role in delivering these services, which are part of the LinkUS program aimed at improving mobility in the region.