Latest news with #CentralOhioTransitAuthority
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
LinkUs progress: Construction for some bike, pedestrian paths slated to begin next year
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) has released an update on the progress of LinkUs, including plans to begin construction on multiple bike and pedestrian pathways in 2026. Central Ohio voters passed Issue 47 in November, a levy that is helping fund Columbus' initiative with COTA to modernize its public transportation options. The 25-year plan, called LinkUs, is striving to create a Bus Rapid Transit system, which entails dedicated bus lanes and more frequent service. It also aims to install a total of about 500 miles of sidewalks, bike paths and trails. Lawmakers clash over Ohio bill to ban therapy for minors without parent consent Collections of revenue raised by the levy began in April, and COTA released its first LinkUs Progress Report in May, sharing how the transportation project is moving forward. The organization stated it will release the reports three times per year, in January, May and September. In March, the COTA Board of Trustees approved funding for the first phase of bike and pedestrian routes, including 83 projects that will help create 150 miles of pathways throughout COTA's service area over the next five years, the report said. Work on 11 of those projects is slated to begin next year. The projects commencing in 2026 can be found below, alongside their jurisdictions. Eastmoor Green Line (Columbus): The construction of a linear park and trail along an abandoned rail corridor. Cooke Road (Franklin County): The construction of a shared-use path and the improvement of road crossings between Karl Road and Cleveland Avenue. Minerva Lake Road (Minerva Park): The construction of a shared-use path connecting Cleveland Avenue to the existing Alum Creek Trail and the planned Linden Green Line. Brooksedge Business Park Mobility Project (Westerville): The construction of shared-use paths, sidewalks and crossings in the park. Shier Rings Road (Washington Township): The closure of a gap in an existing shared-use path. Big Walnut Trail (Columbus): The construction of a new segment of the trail between Winchester Pike and Refugee Road. Linden Green Line (Columbus): The construction of a linear park and trail along an abandoned rail corridor. Eakin Road (Columbus): The construction of a shared-use path. West Broad Street (Columbus): The construction of a shared-use path alongside the West Broad Bus Rapid Transit corridor. McComb Road (Franklin County): The construction of a sidewalk on McComb Road, providing a connection over Interstate 270. McDowell Road Diet (Grove City): The construction of a shared-use path and bike lines. The LinkUs plan aims to create all 500 miles of the planned pathways by 2050. The report also detailed the latest timelines for the construction of the first three Bus Rapid Transit corridors. Construction is expected to begin for the West Broad line in 2026, with community members possibly seeing utility work and other pre-construction activities as soon as fall 2025. The corridor is expected to be operational by 2028. The East Main corridor is currently in the design phase and is expected to be open for service in 2029. The Northwest line is also in the design phase and is expected to begin running in 2031, according to the report. COTA also stated it began to deliver on the LinkUs promise to provide more service to customers in May, when it made the change to extend its hours past midnight on most of its lines Mondays through Saturdays. The organization called this the 'first step toward becoming a 24-hour transit system.' The LinkUs progress report was completed by COTA and multiple of its partners, including the City of Columbus, Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, and the Franklin County Board of Commissioners. The full May 2025 report can be found here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Business Journals
09-05-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
COTA launches late-night service, delivering more options for a growing region
Central Ohio is stepping into a new era of growth, energy and possibility. With more businesses bringing employees back to the office and our region welcoming more residents each day, our transit system must evolve to not just keep pace but to lead the way. At the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA), we believe public transit is more than a service. It's the infrastructure of opportunity. It connects people to jobs, supports thriving local economies and reduces the barriers that keep communities apart. That's why, this May, COTA is launching a wave of improvements designed to make our system more accessible, reliable and customer friendly. And we're inviting you — whether you're a long-time transit advocate or just rethinking your commute — to see what's new. Welcome back to work and back to better transit As downtown office buildings fill back up, so do highways and parking lots. The return to in-person work is changing how we move through our cities. For many Central Ohioans, that means reconsidering how they commute — and what their time is worth. We want you to know: COTA has changed, too. Since the start of the pandemic, we've invested in modern vehicles, built better infrastructure and launched new ways to plan trips and pay fares. Whether you're using the Transit app or a COTA Smartcard, getting on board has never been easier. We've also expanded programs like travel training to help companies and individuals navigate our system with confidence. And we've strengthened our team of expert Operators and mechanics, delivering the level of service this community deserves. expand On May 5, COTA officially launched midnight lineups, extending service hours for second- and third-shift workers. Because everyone deserves reliable access to opportunity, no matter the hour. What's new in May We're also extending Line 34 from Easton Transit Center to Meijer on Hamilton Road, expanding weekend service and nearing design completion of the first Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line as part of the LinkUS initiative — our region's bold vision for connected, future-ready mobility. expand Summer service spotlight: Zoo Bus returns Just in time for summer, we're bringing back the beloved Zoo Bus: a $9 experience that includes a $4 round-trip ride on COTA and $5 admission to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. It's a simple way to connect families to one of the region's best attractions, affordably and sustainably. And when the temperatures heat up this summer, your Zoo Bus ride gets you $10 off a visit to Zoombezi Bay. The road ahead We're proud of how far we've come, and we're even more excited for what's next. Together with local leaders, employers and our customers, we're building a more connected Central Ohio. If you haven't ridden with us in a while, now's the time. Whether you're returning to work, exploring the city or supporting your team's commute, COTA is here to make every trip easier, faster and better. Let's move forward — together. Want to hear what's next for COTA — straight from the source? A Minute With Monica is a new video series featuring COTA President/CEO Monica Téllez-Fowler sharing quick, candid updates on the future of mobility in Central Ohio. From service improvements to major milestones, she is giving customers and community leaders a front-row seat to COTA's transformation. Follow COTA on social media to catch each new episode and stay informed on the changes coming to your streets, your commute and your region.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
COTA board approves study regarding making bus system free
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – The Central Ohio Transit Authority has commissioned a study to examine making the bus system free to use. The COTA Board of Trustees voted at an April 14 meeting to approve a contract with the California-based consulting company Four Nines Technologies to conduct a 'No Fare Feasibility Study' for a cost not exceeding $319,946. York Steak House in Columbus hailed as having the nation's best steaks The study will examine the potential impacts of making the transit system completely free to use, or making rides free for certain groups, according to a resolution passed by the board. A standard bus ride costs $2, but fares may be cheaper or free for certain riders, such as children and students. 'COTA continues to receive questions from the community about the feasibility of moving from a transit system that charges customers fares to a system that charges zero fares or creates zero fare opportunities for identified groups,' the resolution reads. 'To provide meaningful, well-researched data to support answers to community questions, COTA must perform a deeper analysis of the long-term sustainability of a substantial change to the fare system.' Fares make up about 17% of COTA's operating funds, according to the agency's 2023-2027 Short Range Transit Plan. The study will begin on May 1 and conclude on Dec. 31. It will be paid for through the External Relations Division's operating budget for 2025, specifically with local funds, which includes income from sales tax revenue and fares. Fast food chain Culver's plans new location in central Ohio The study will analyze six specific areas, including the financial implications of transitioning to a no-fare or partial-fare system, potential needed changes to current operations, how underserved communities would be impacted, what technology would be needed for the transition, feedback from key stakeholders, and laws that may impact the change. The completion of the study will not guarantee COTA will go fare free. The transit system has considered the idea before, when it commissioned a similar study from the law firm IceMiller in 2020. That study was conducted amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and before voters approved LinkUs, a plan to modernize and expand COTA's current system through rapid transit lines, extended walkways and more. The 2020 analysis noted other cities that switched to a fare-free system – including Denver and Olympia, Washington — saw increased ridership. Jeff Pullin, COTA's director of public and media relations, said he does not have any further information about the study to share at this time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Franklin County sales tax increase now in effect: how much it will cost you
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A sales tax increase in Franklin County went into effect on Tuesday after voters passed Issue 47 in November to help fund new transportation projects. The Central Ohio Transit Authority placed the 0.5% increase on the ballot to fund $2 billion in new Bus Rapid Transit lines along with hundreds of miles of new sidewalks and bike paths. COTA's share of the sales tax is now 1%, up from 0.5%. Franklin County's total sales tax rate now sits at 8%, up from 7.5%, tying it with Cuyahoga County for the highest in Ohio. Ohio lawmakers look to eliminate highest income tax rate, switch to flat tax The measure passed with about 57% voting in favor of the measure. The increase means consumers will pay an extra 5 cents for every $10 spent. Areas of Delaware, Licking, Fairfield and Union counties that are served by COTA will also see the 0.5% increase. 'I think it's really important for people to realize how this is going to improve their quality of life,' Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther told NBC4 in July. 'It's going to connect our entire community, whether you live in Dublin, Grove City, the Near East Side, in a township, all over the COTA service area.' The levy is expected to bring in more than $6 billion by 2050, allowing COTA to add new zones and transit lines over the next five years, the company previously stated. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
