In This Blog
- Modernized transit operations – COTA transitioned its CAD/AVL, yard management, and fare collection systems to the Vontas Cloud, reducing IT overhead and enhancing scalability.
- Real-time insights – Improved vehicle tracking and State-of-Charge (SOC) monitoring for electric buses support greater service reliability and fleet preparedness.
- Seamless software updates – Cloud-based patching reduces service disruptions and enables continuous system enhancements.
- Enhanced security and resilience – Microsoft Azure infrastructure provides geo-redundant backups, disaster recovery capabilities, and 24/7 monitoring.
- Cost-efficient scalability – By adopting a flexible, cloud-first approach, COTA avoided major hardware costs and positioned itself for future SaaS innovation.
For over 50 years, the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) has been a vital part of mobility in Central Ohio. With nearly 12 million annual passenger trips, a 562-square-mile service area, and 3,000 active transit stops, COTA plays a key role in keeping the region moving.
But in 2023, COTA made a bold leap into the future by embracing the cloud. In a recent article from BusRide, COTA shares how migrating to the Vontas Cloud, powered by Microsoft Azure, has transformed their operations.
Why the Shift?
COTA’s legacy systems were becoming increasingly difficult to manage. Maintaining a large data centre, addressing cybersecurity threats, and running outdated software placed a heavy burden on the IT team. With plans to expand services and integrate electric vehicles (EVs) by 2025, a modern, scalable solution became essential.
A Smarter, Scalable Transit System
COTA partnered with Vontas to migrate its OnRoute CAD/AVL, OnSite Yard Manager, and Automated Fare Collection Systems to the cloud. This move wasn’t just about reducing IT workload—it was about unlocking a new era of transit innovation.
Key Benefits of the Cloud Migration:
- Real-time vehicle tracking with improved prediction capabilities.
- State-of-Charge (SOC) monitoring for electric buses, with smart alerts for dispatchers.
- Shuttle service planning for major events like Red, White & Boom.
- Seamless software patching, minimizing service disruptions.
- Remote access via Azure Virtual Desktop, enabling business continuity and flexible work.
Reinventing Security and Continuity
With Azure’s 24/7/365 Network Operations Center and industry-standard security protocols, COTA gained peace of mind. The cloud infrastructure also supports geo-redundant backups and disaster recovery, ensuring uninterrupted service, even during disruptions.
“We had challenges with frequent interruption to service with patching. Now patching is nearly seamless to the agency,” said Jeremy Bartlett, COTA Product Manager ITS.
Cost Savings and Operational Agility
By avoiding a costly hardware refresh and the need for a second data centre, COTA embraced a cloud-first strategy that allowed them to:
- Scale resources in real time.
- Eliminate redundant physical infrastructure.
- Refocus IT efforts on innovation rather than maintenance
“Just a few clicks gets you the ability to stand up a second environment without the added cost,” said Ryan Goff, Vontas Cloud Architect.
Looking Ahead: Smarter Supervision and SaaS Evolution
With the migration completed in under six months, COTA is now preparing to implement Vontas OnRoute Supervisor, a web-based tool that empowers field supervisors with real-time data and communication tools.
The agency is also exploring a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model to streamline software delivery and management in the years ahead.
Conclusion
COTA’s journey to the cloud is more than a tech upgrade—it’s a transformation in how transit is managed, delivered, and experienced. With Vontas and Microsoft Azure, COTA is not just adapting to the future of mobility—they’re helping shape it.
Check out BusRide’s article for more information!