Columbus and vicinity residents may be getting a new set of wheels. COTA has just submitted their plans for a light rail train system and expanded bus service to the Federal Transit Administration for approval.
Stu Nicholson, the interim director of corporate communications for COTA, says the vote seems to be in favor of the new proposal.
Nicholson said the plans include about 14 new transit centers. It may also include 24-hour service on bus routes. Nicholson also said there are plans for an increase in busses for disabled riders.
“The expanded bus service will double the amount of busses now, and increase service area by 70 percent,” Nicholson said.
Although this has been a big step, COTA still has a long way to go. Getting FTA approval is only one step in a lengthy process.
Approval of the plan will help COTA get federal funding. The funding is needed to enable preliminary engineering for the light rail system. However, there is additional funding needed from the state and the local communities. Nicholson says this could mean adding another sales tax levy within the next year.
Nicholson said once the funding is all set, COTA can proceed with the program. Construction is estimated to take four-to-five years. This means the train won’t be up and running for another nine or 10 years.
“We can start the bus expansion right away,” Nicholson said. The bus expansion will be able to support COTA’s new load until the Light Rail is complete.
Nicholson also said that the community has been very supportive of the plan. However, he does expect some opposition when trying to pass the tax levy.
Ben Casteel, the USG senator for the University District is excited about the plan’s effects on students. Casteel feels that the light rail will be most beneficial for commuter students from the suburbs.
“Commuters won’t have to worry about buying a parking pass, parking on west campus and then waiting for a bus, all just to go to class,” Casteel said.
Casteel also thinks it will help students save money on increasing gas prices. He said more busses and a larger service area might eliminate some traffic problems as well.
Steve Bosworth, a senior agricultural major, disagrees with Casteel. He feels that more busses could actually make for more traffic.
“Have you ever been downtown during rush hour? The buses take up a whole lane, and everyone else is left with only one lane,” Bosworth said.
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