In This Blog
- Modernized transit operations – COTA migrated its CAD/AVL, yard management, and fare collection systems to the Vontas Cloud, reducing IT overhead and boosting scalability.
- Real-time insights – Enhanced vehicle tracking and State-of-Charge (SOC) monitoring for electric buses improve service reliability and fleet readiness.
- Seamless software updates – Cloud-based patching minimizes service interruptions and supports continuous improvement.
- Stronger security and resilience – Azure-powered infrastructure ensures geo-redundant backups, disaster recovery, and 24/7 monitoring.
- Cost-effective scalability – COTA avoided major hardware investments by adopting a flexible, cloud-first strategy that supports future SaaS evolution.
For over 50 years, the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) has been a cornerstone of mobility in Central Ohio. With nearly 12 million passenger trips annually, a 562-square-mile service area, and 3,000 active transit stops, COTA plays a vital role in keeping the region moving.
But in 2023, COTA took a bold step toward the future—by embracing the cloud. In a new article from BusRide, COTA details how migrating to Vontas Cloud has helped their agency.
Why the Shift?
COTA’s legacy systems were showing their age. Managing a sprawling data center, keeping up with cybersecurity threats, and maintaining outdated software versions had become a heavy lift for the IT team. With plans to expand operations and integrate electric vehicles into the fleet by 2025, the need for a modern, scalable solution became urgent.
Enter Vontas Cloud, powered by Microsoft Azure.
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 local IT workload—it was about unlocking a new era of transit innovation.
Key Benefits of the Cloud Migration:
- Real-time vehicle tracking with enhanced prediction capabilities.
- State-of-Charge (SOC) monitoring for electric buses, with intelligent alerts for dispatchers.
- Shuttle service planning for major events like Red, White & Boom.
- Seamless software patching, reducing service interruptions.
- Remote access via Azure Virtual Desktop, supporting business continuity and flexible work.
Security and Continuity, Reinvented
With Azure’s 24/7/365 Network Operations Center and industry-aligned security protocols, COTA gained peace of mind. The cloud infrastructure also enabled geo-redundant backups and disaster recovery, ensuring services remain available even in the face of 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
Avoiding a costly hardware refresh and second data center build-out, COTA instead opted for a cloud-first strategy. This allowed them to:
- Scale resources in real-time.
- Eliminate the need for duplicate physical infrastructure.
- Focus 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 successful migration completed in under six months, COTA is already planning its next move: implementing 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 further streamline software management and delivery in the coming years.
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 keeping up with the future of mobility—they’re helping shape it. Check out BusRide’s article for more information!