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Voters pass COTA tax levy. Here's what the money will go toward

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%.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Voters passed the Central Ohio Transit Authority's levy to expand public transportation access around central Ohio.

The transportation agency thanked voters in a post on X once the levy passed.

What happens next?

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%. The money will generate public funding for the LinkUS initiative. 

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. 

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. 

The levy will also invest in more than 500 miles of new sidewalks, multi-use pathways and bikeways.

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. 

To read more about LinkUS, click here.

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