Intelligent Transport Podcast Episode 26 – Sophia Mohr, Central Ohio Transit Authority

Beginning the conversation for this episode, Sophia Mohr, Chief Technology Officer at the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA), provides insight into how technological innovation is transforming public transit in Central Ohio, emphasising COTA’s commitment to accessibility, affordability and seamless connectivity for the community. Through initiatives like fare capping via its mobile app and the introduction of COTA Plus for addressing the first- and last-mile challenge, Sophia highlights the intersection of engineering, problem-solving and technology to shape a more inclusive and efficient future for transportation in the region. 

Then, we delve into COTA’s dynamic response to evolving commuter patterns through data-driven insights and the innovative implementation of bus-on-demand, as Sophia shares how adaptability and community-driven solutions, combined with artificial intelligence (AI) applications, shape the future of transportation. Sophia then goes on to highlight the transformative role of technology in optimising urban mobility, underlining the shift from traditional physical infrastructure solutions to smart technologies that enable communication between traffic systems and vehicles at a faster pace and lower cost.

In the second half of this episode, we shift our attention to the future as Sophia delves into the transformative integration of 5G technology on all COTA vehicles, turning them into advanced data centres that communicate with smart infrastructure. She emphasises the importance of Wi-Fi understanding, envisioning transit stops illuminated with real-time information and shares her excitement about the potential of artificial intelligence in optimising system monitoring and efficiency, while cautioning against overlooking the human element and the need for inclusivity in technology adoption.