The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) board unanimously approved language to place a levy on the Nov. 5 ballot that, if approved, will create a dedicated funding stream for expanded modernized public transit, hundreds of miles of sidewalks, bikeways, and pathways throughout more than 40 communities in COTA’s service area.

The levy would generate the public funding portion of the revenue to initiate the LinkUS Initiative, a comprehensive mobility solution to address growth, affordability, sustainability, and opportunity in our region.

The plan was created through a partnership between COTA, the City of Columbus, the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, and the Franklin County Board of Commissioners, and with feedback from local municipalities, organizations, and community members.

“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 Monica Tellez-Fowler, COTA president and CEO. “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.”

COTA’s Ballot Measure

The ballot initiative asks voters to increase the current local sales tax by half a penny. The result would take COTA’s share from 0.5% to 1%. Residents of COTA’s service territory, which includes all of Franklin County and portions of Delaware, Fairfield, Licking and Union counties, will vote on the issue.

“As Central Ohio continues to grow, our prosperity relies on connecting our communities to job opportunities,” said Chris Amorose Groomes, chair, Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission and Mayor, City of Dublin. “The LinkUs Mobility Initiative will provide access to high-quality transportation to all of our residents to ensure that as our region grows bigger, we grow better.”

Columbus is the only city of its size without a rapid transit system. The LinkUS Initiative will help alleviate traffic as growth continues, by making buses faster and more reliable while adding new walking and bikeway connections.

If the initiative is successful, COTA will increase transit service by 45%. The funding will support more on-demand service, additional fixed-route lines, and increased frequency and service hours on existing lines.

The levy will also invest in more than 500 miles of new sidewalks, multi-use paths, and bikeways. This will allow cyclists and pedestrians to travel safely not only within their own communities, but between the suburbs and the central city, creating a network of connections for cyclists and pedestrians throughout the region.