The Central Ohio Transit Authority has released a progress report on its LinkUS bus rapid transit project, which says that the timeline for the West Broad Street corridor remains "fluid."
COTA, the city of Columbus and Ohio Department of Transportation are still putting together details for the Federal Transit Administration for key federal funding for the project.
"With all large federally funded projects, there is expected variability in project delivery and complexity," the report said.
COTA spokesperson Jeff Pullin said design work continues for the 9.3-mile West Broad Street project, which would run west from downtown Columbus and past I-270 to Rockbrook Crossing in Prairie Township.
"Right now West Broad Street design is at 90%, and we continue to coordinate with the city of Columbus and ODOT to redefine some design elements," Pullin said.
The next meetings to discuss the project will be June 4 at 5:30 p.m. and June 6 at 10 a.m. Both meetings will take place at the Gladden Community House in Franklinton.
Design work continues on the West Broad Street line, as well as bus rapid transit lines planned for East Main Street between downtown Columbus and Reynoldsburg and a northwest line from downtown, then along Olentangy River Road and eventually to Dublin.
The first phase of the Northwest BRT would be a 10-mile stretch between downtown and Bethel Road. About six miles of that would be dedicated bus rapid transit lanes.
In 2024, voters approved a 0.5% sales tax increase to help pay for the project.
The report also highlights:
- An 8.5% increase in service since November 2024, expanded midnight service and improved frequency on multiple lines.
- New infrastructure projects, including 37 sidewalks, bikeways and trail projects, with funding in design and/or construction in 2026, totaling $29.7 million.
- New lines, including the planned launch in September of Line 30 connecting Hilliard, Upper Arlington, Ohio State University and downtown Columbus. COTA also plans to extend Line 1 from Dublin to Ohio State and downtown Columbus.
