Columbus is one step closer to the trolley-like atmosphere found in San Francisco.

The Central Ohio Transit Authority recently received a coveted recommendation from the Federal Transit Administration to move forward with a plan to bring a light rail to central Ohio.

This recommendation makes the COTA plan eligible for federal funding.

The proposed line will run north to Polaris from downtown in an effort to alleviate congestion on the roads and help create access for city residents to jobs in the north.

“I think people will enjoy riding the light rail and they will definitely see its value,” said Michael Bradley, director of rail development.

A light rail is a train similar to a commuter rail, but makes more frequent stops, is lighter and more environmentally friendly.

The approved plan was developed through analysis by the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission and community forums. Bradley said the community members voted 124-1 in favor of the light rail.

COTA anticipates the light rail to service approximately 17,600 weekday riders, and attract nearly 6,700 new riders.

With the recommendation from the FTA, the project is eligible for federal funding of about 50 percent of the total cost. The project’s cost is estimated at $501 million.

COTA received this recommendation, beating out more than 100 competing cities.

“There is a lot of competition for these types of projects,” said Donald Gismondi, deputy regional administrator for the FTA.

The project is in the preliminary engineering phase, where the original plan will be refined and environmental impact will be examined. DMJM Harris was selected to manage and plan this phase. The transportation engineering company has managed similar projects in several cities including Salt Lake City, Baltimore, New Orleans and Dallas.

Morgan Lions, spokesman for the Dallas Area Rapid Transit said since the opening of the light rail in Dallas, DART has seen a continued growth in riders.

“Downtown has become a more desirable place to live, work and play,” Lions said.

Bradley said the project also includes increases in bus service in areas not serviced by the light rail.

“People outside the corridor will also benefit from this plan,” Bradley said.

The preliminary engineering phase will take approximately two years to complete, and the entire project is scheduled to be completed by 2008 or early 2009.