The C-Pass program began as a pilot project and was fully established in 2018 by the Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District. It was funded through a combination of support from the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission and assessments on downtown property owners. But when Downtown Columbus Inc. took over many operations of the Capital Crossroads and Discovery District special improvement districts, the program's future became uncertain. Both downtown SIDs officially ceased operations last fall.

COTA and MORPC set aside funding to keep C-Pass running through the end of this year, but no money is available to continue it in 2027 and beyond, said COTA spokesperson Jeff Pullin. He explained that downtown property owners are no longer being assessed by the SID, cutting off a key funding stream.

"For those who have relied on C-Pass for travel over the past several years, we know this news comes as a disappointment," Pullin said.

Workers currently enrolled in the program can continue using it through December 31.

City leaders had previously raised concerns about the downtown SIDs operating programs like C-Pass that were not directly related to what they considered the groups' primary "clean-and-safe" mission. That skepticism, along with the pandemic's dramatic shift in commuting patterns, contributed to the program's demise.

Marc Conte, who played a key role in implementing C-Pass as deputy director and later executive director of the downtown SIDs, said the post-COVID landscape is completely different, with many workers now spending part of the week at home. He said it became clear that a new funding mechanism and discount structure were needed, and that COTA had long wanted to unify the multiple bulk pass programs created over the decades.

Still, Conte emphasized the program's early success. "Downtown C-Pass was wildly successful in the first iteration prior to COVID," he said. "It doubled ridership among eligible workers in three months—a sizable mode shift that's unheard of. It boosted recruitment and reduced turnover among service workers at places like hotels and restaurants, and it freed up parking which made room to attract more office tenants."

COTA is now engaging with organizations on new options for convenient, reduced-fare transit that would be available throughout its service territory, not just in one zone. Pullin said the agency is optimistic it can announce one or more new partnerships early in 2027. Options under consideration include bulk discounts that employers could use to provide passes for their workers.

The end of C-Pass leaves a gap for downtown service workers, hotel employees and restaurant staff who have depended on the free rides to get to their jobs. Transit advocates say the loss underscores the need for stable, dedicated funding for public transportation as the region's commuting patterns continue to evolve.