COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Central Ohio Transit Authority announced Wednesday that it will expand operating hours past midnight for downtown Columbus starting in May for the first time since before the pandemic. 

The midnight times will be applied to COTA lines 1-11, 102 and the CMAX route. They will also offer a trip out of downtown until close to 1 a.m., according to COTA. The new times take effect May 5. 

COTA said crosstown lines that's don't go through downtown will also be running later to help riders make one final transfer for the night. 

COTA President Monica Téllez-Fowler said it'll help people who work second and third shift access public transit more easily. 

“This is a vital investment in the people who keep our city running, ensuring they have reliable, affordable, and convenient mobility options that support their livelihoods and our economy,” said Téllez-Fowler. “This expansion of service is thanks to the public investment in COTA through LinkUS and collaboration with the business community asking for this service to support their frontline teams.”

The move comes after voters approved of an issue on the ballot in November 2024, which increased the sales tax in all COTA service areas from .5% to 1%. The funds are going toward LinkUS, a $2 billion transportation plan. 

For a current list of routes and schedules, click here.