Congresswoman Beatty and Senator Brown Announce Investment for Major Expansion of Bus Rapid Transit in Columbus

Today, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) and U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH), announced a new investment that will accelerate Central Ohio Transit Authority’s LinkUS West Broad Street Bus Rapid Transit Corridor. The investment will allow for the construction of 17 new stations, a park and ride center, and 9.3 miles of new bus route. This will help make travel faster and attract new investments and housing development — including new affordable housing opportunities along West Broad Street and new job creation.

“With this investment, Columbus is one step closer to building a mobility ecosystem that connects every member of our community to social and economic prosperity,” said Congresswoman Beatty.“This project helps address the disparities of the past for transit access while building a richer landscape for generations to come.”

“Improving transit with new rapid bus service will improve commutes and reduce traffic, connect Ohioans with jobs, and draw in investment. From attracting more housing options and businesses, to expanding transportation options, this investment will help support the redevelopment of the West Broad Street area,” said Senator Brown.

This $42 million investment comes from the Department of Transportation’s Reconnecting Communities Pilot program. These investments were made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Beatty and Brown helped to write and pass.  Last December, Beatty hosted a listening session with COTA officials and Columbus community leaders to discuss the positive impacts of this project and identify additional opportunities to support the region’s LinkUS initiative.  

For inquiries, please contact Cassandra Johnson at Cassandra.Johnson@mail.house.gov.

###