COTA bus routes for Red, White & BOOM!

COLUMBUS, Ohio ( WCMH ) — It’s almost time for Red, White & BOOM!, the largest fireworks show in the Midwest. Thousands of people will be in Downtown Columbus to participate in the day’s festivities, and that could make it more difficult to get Downtown Wednesday.

That’s why COTA said their Zoom to BOOM program may be a good option for many people. COTA will have expanded transit to and from downtown. Jeff Pullin with COTA said normal routes will operate later into the night and there are also options for people out in the suburbs.

“This is an all hands on deck situation for COTA. We will have as many operators as we can and all of our buses on the street tomorrow providing not only our regular fixed route service with extended hours past midnight, but also four express park and ride locations,” said Pullin.

Those express park and ride locations are in Worthington, Grove City, Westerville and Reynoldsburg. You’ll be able to park your car in a lot, hop on a bus to Downtown Columbus between 6 and 8 p.m. and get bused back to your car once the fireworks are over.

The park and ride option is $4 for a round trip for adults, $2 for kids and free for children under five. But keep in mind these lots are first-come, first-serve. “There are no stops along the way. We bring you down here to High Street just a few blocks away from the celebration, enjoy the fireworks and then when you come back up look for people in these blue shirts. They will help you find the right bus to get on,” said Pullin.

With many roads closed for BOOM!, finding a parking spot in downtown Wednesday may be tough, so whether you live in the suburbs or right in the city, Pullin said Zoom to BOOM! is for you. “If you want to avoid paying for parking, or even looking for parking, if you want to avoid the traffic, this is a great option for you because all you have to do is sit on the bus and we get you there safely,” said Pullin.

People of all ages are welcome on COTA buses. You are allowed to bring your chairs and blankets for watching fireworks on the bus. “It’s a very safe way to get downtown. People have been using COTA to get downtown since 1981 for Red, White & BOOM! It’s a very family friendly way to get downtown, especially if you are using those express rides,” said Pullin.

Everything you need to know about COTA’s Zoom to BOOM, including park and ride locations and specific drop off sites, can be found by clicking here .

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