COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) Board of Trustees on Wednesday voted unanimously to approve language to place a levy on the ballot for November.
If passed, the levy would create dedicated funding for expanded modernized public transit, hundreds of miles of sidewalks, bikeways and pathways throughout COTA’s service area in more than 40 communities.
COTA says the levy would generate the public funding portion of the revenue to initiate the LinkUS Initiative. It’s described as a solution to address growth, affordability, sustainability and opportunity in central Ohio.
The LinkUS Initiative was created through a partnership between COTA, the City of Columbus, the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission and the Franklin County Board of Commissioners.
“It is time for central Ohio to join all the other regions of our size in creating a modern transit system for all modes, including transit, bikes, and cars,” said COTA President and CEO Monica Tellez-Fowler. “We know that a modern public transit system can transform lives and communities for the better. I thank the COTA Board of Trustees for empowering voters with the opportunity to choose improved transit service and walkable, safer, and more connected neighborhoods.”
The levy will ask voters to increase the local sales tax by half a penny, bringing COTA’s share from 0.5% to 1%. It would also invest in more than 500 miles of new sidewalks, multi-use paths and bikeways to allow cyclists and pedestrians to safely travel between the suburbs and the central city.
Beginning with the West Broad Street corridor, rapid transit buses will travel the majority of the time in dedicated lanes, aided by prioritized traffic signals and rail-style platforms that will help the boarding process, according to COTA.
The East Main Street Corridor and a Northwest Corridor that includes Olentangy River Road and goes through and beyond Dublin’s Bridge Park will follow.
Options for at least two more corridors are still under consideration
"This initiative is a transformative step towards creating a more connected, accessible, and equitable transportation network in our region,” said Marlon Moore, chair of the COTA Board of Trustees. “The board applauds the LinkUS team for this comprehensive strategy that not only addresses current transportation challenges but also prepares Central Ohio for future growth.”
Residents in Franklin County and portions of Delaware, Fairfield, Licking and Union counties will vote on the levy on Nov. 5.