LinkUS continues its work to move forward with bringing rapid transit solutions and mobility options to the region. Recent recommendations from the LinkUS Executive and Steering Committees are already advancing to deliver world-class mobility and transit options for Central Ohio. Here’s some recommendations currently in motion: 

• Work in the corridors continues: East Main Street Corridor, West Broad Street Corridor and Northwest Corridor planning and design teams are working with the community to finalize routes and move toward submission to the federal government. Corridor implementation on key corridors can still be realized by 2030 as anticipated.  
• Legislative changes to help move closer to our ability to bring rapid transit to our region were approved by the Ohio House and Senate on May 18, 2022.  
• MORPC is working with COTA service area local governments to create the Transit Supportive Infrastructure Committee, which will create a capital improvement plan to prioritize the sidewalk, bikeways, trails and roadway projects to implement LinkUS.  
• LinkUS continues its work with public and private partners to advance a regional equitable transit-oriented development strategy. 
• LinkUS continues to work and connect with regional civic, business and community leaders. Moving forward with funding considerations for LinkUS is a priority. LinkUS partners are examining every option as the LinkUS planning, design moves forward. 

Rapid transit will use dedicated lanes, which separate rapid transit modes of transit from mixed traffic, allowing for travel more quickly through the region. Pre-paid boarding and level platforms – that resemble rail stations rather than traditional bus stops – speed up passenger boarding, while traffic signal management that prioritizes the high-frequency rapid transit service minimizes waiting times. The savings in travel time reduce commute times, which can allow passengers more time to do the things that matter to them most. 

LinkUS will make our community healthier and safer by adding more bikeways, sidewalks and greenways that promote walkability and provide more affordable mobility options for all residents. The rapid transit system will also reduce the carbon footprint and bring sustainability to the transit system.

Moving Our Region, Together

Central Ohio is on the move. By 2050, the region will have 3 million people – that’s an additional 800,000+ more than today. This creates opportunities to improve transportation reliability, manage traffic congestion and ensure sustainability. LinkUS will help focus sustainable growth patterns close to transit, protect open space and farmland, limit traffic impacts, and offer residents reliable, faster and convenient transit options. LinkUS is doing this by creating an integrated mobility system that brings many benefits to the community. LinkUS Benefits to the community in a number of ways, including: 

LinkUS will create an integrated mobility system that will: 

• make it easier to walk, bike or take public transit in the region 
• increase access to jobs, schools, activities and healthcare for all — seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, students and working families 
• make the region more affordable and equitable for all 
• position Central Ohio as a desirable place to live and work 
• allow the region to build prosperity and better compete economically  

LinkUS will help achieve: 

• sustainable growth patterns close to transit  
• protect open space and farmland 
• limit traffic impacts 
• offer residents reliable, faster and convenient transit options 

East Main and West Broad Corridors Engage Community  

In June, the LinkUS engagement team met with community members and stakeholders from the East Main and West Broad corridors in Whitehall and Prairie Township. These meetings are vital to informing the design elements of stations that will be unique to each neighborhood. With summer bringing residents outside, the LinkUS team also attended community events and farmers markets in Reynoldsburg, Franklinton, Westgate and Bexley. We’re excited to show up at these events, share project updates and gather feedback from those who matter most: our residents!  

The LinkUS East-West Corridors project team held a public meeting on June 15 that is available on Facebook Live

The LinkUS East-West Corridors project team held a public meeting on June 15 that is available on Facebook Live.

In June, three public meetings in-person and online were held in the Northwest Corridor, where the LinkUS team gained feedback on the recommended Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA), initial route segments and route design elements. An online survey garnered additional input on the same topics in July and August. 

What we heard: 

• Participants agreed the recommended Northwest Corridor LPA (Olentangy River Road - Bethel Road - Sawmill Road – Route 161) makes sense for their travel needs. 
• Many agreed with the initial Northwest Corridor segment from the Bethel Road Park and Ride to Downtown Columbus. 
• Participants are most interested in the use of dedicated bus lanes along the Northwest Corridor. 
• Many are excited to discuss bike connections, station elements and lane design in the next phase of the Northwest Corridor. 

COTA’s New Education Pass! 

This year, COTA is excited to partner closely with Columbus City Schools (CCS) on a collaborative pass program. With the new school year underway, CCS will issue a brand new Student Success Card to all CCS students in grades 9-12, granting them unlimited COTA transit and Columbus Metropolitan Libraries at no cost to their families. 

Students can use COTA to get to: 

• Class 
• After-school activities 
• Part-time jobs 
• Internships 
• Night and weekend events  
• And more! 

Eligible students get unlimited rides for just $13.50 per student, per term, paid for by Columbus City Schools in partnership with the COTA Board of Trustees’ new educational fare program. There is no cost to students. 

COTA’s partnership with CCS is just the beginning. We encourage other school districts, higher education institutions and municipalities to connect with COTA to explore pass program opportunities that create more mobility options for Central Ohio residents. 

Interested in an Educational Pass Program for another Franklin county school district? Contact COTA Director of Government Affairs Aslyne Rodriguez rodriguezac@cota.com. 

Stay in Touch with LinkUS

LinkUS is reimagining mobility in the region.  

Stay tuned to news and upcoming events on the LinkUS website. Spread the word about LinkUS by sharing messages on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.  

In the meantime, get moving to one of this summer’s events with COTA by downloading the COTA Transit app! From the app, you can plan, track and pay for COTA rides all from your smartphone. Learn more here.