Wednesday, November 6, 2024

COTA celebrates voter approval of Issue 47, boosting transit and infrastructure

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The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) expressed gratitude to voters for approving Issue 47, a sales tax levy that will fund the LinkUS initiative, aimed at enhancing growth and mobility in Central Ohio.

The measure, placed on the Nov. 5 ballot by COTA in collaboration with the City of Columbus, the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC), and the Franklin County Board of Commissioners, will enable a 45% increase in transit services, the introduction of rapid transit, and the construction of 500 miles of sidewalks, trails, and bike paths.

“This is a pivotal moment for COTA and the entire Central Ohio region,” said COTA President and CEO Monica Téllez-Fowler. “With the passage of Issue 47, we are empowered to make significant investments in our transit system that will improve access, equity, and sustainability for everyone. I want to thank the voters for trusting in our vision and for recognizing the importance of a modernized transit system to meet the needs of our growing community.”

The levy will facilitate the addition of eight new COTA//Plus on-demand zones and the improvement or creation of 14 transit lines over the next five years.

Within the same period, three new Bus Rapid Transit lines will offer service every 15 minutes or less, with at least two additional rapid transit lines to be announced in the future.

“Issue 47’s approval reflects Central Ohio’s shared commitment to building a connected, vibrant, and equitable region,” said Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. “LinkUS will expand COTA service and help build hundreds of miles of new sidewalks, trails, and bikeways to ensure Columbus continues to grow in a way that serves everyone. I’m grateful to the community for supporting this important step toward a more prosperous future.”

Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin said, “The passage of Issue 47 is the first chapter in a book they will write decades from now about how Columbus, Ohio defied the odds to grow in a way that lifted everyone up. These investments in mass transit and pedestrian and bike infrastructure will help us pivot from the car-centric, low-density sprawl of our past and toward a sustainable, equitable future where opportunities are within reach for everybody.”

LinkUS is expected to drive economic growth in Central Ohio by connecting people to jobs, supporting local businesses, and attracting new investment. The initiative aims to create a thriving, accessible region with expanded transit services, improved accessibility, and safer, more connected neighborhoods.

“I’m excited to see that Franklin County voters recognize the growth challenges our community faces and the steps needed to create a safe, equitable, and economically viable environment,” said Franklin County Commission President Kevin L. Boyce. “The approval of LinkUS, Issue 47, will establish a modern transit system that our community has yet to experience, ensuring dignity and a collective response to the needs of every resident and business owner.”

A portion of the sales tax revenue will fund over 500 miles of sidewalks, bikeways, and trails, with an annual investment of $60 million. These projects aim to improve pedestrian safety and create more walkable and bikeable neighborhoods, with 83 projects proposed across 35 cities, villages, and townships in the first five years.

“This is a win for all of Central Ohio,” said MORPC Executive Director William Murdock. “Not only will we never again have to say we are the largest city in the nation without rapid transit, but every community in our region will have safer sidewalks, trails, and bike paths that will better connect them to their neighbors and COTA. LinkUS will help create a more connected region, with better access to opportunities for all.”

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