COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Central Ohio Transit Authority’s levy aimed at expanding public transportation access around the region is projected to pass.
The levy will 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.
The $8 billion levy will increase the local sales tax in Columbus from 7.5% to 8%, increasing COTA's overall share from 0.5% to 1%. That money will generate public funding for the LinkUS initiative. Officials say this will increase COTA services by 45%.
ELECTION RESULTS: From the presidential race to statewide races and local issues, you can get the latest election results here and on 10TV+, 10TV.com, the 10TV News app.
The new services include five "bus rapid transit" systems, similar to Cleveland's "RTA health line" which cuts through their downtown.
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.
Renderings of COTA's plan to expand public transit, access to sidewalks and bikeways
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.
Residents in Franklin County and portions of Delaware, Fairfield, Licking and Union counties voted to pass the levy.
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.
Drivers will start to see changes along West Broad Street come 2028.