The Central Ohio Transit Authority's 2026 budget includes a new bus line connecting Dublin, Hilliard and Upper Arlington with Ohio State University, and advancing the West Broad Street rapid transit line.
On Wednesday, COTA's Board of Trustees approved $276 million for operations and $230 million for capital improvements, as well as $51 million for LinkUS sidewalks and bikeways projects.
Line 30 will be the new route connecting the Ohio State University campus with Upper Arlington, Hilliard and Dublin.
COTA spokesman Jeff Pullin said COTA officials met with people along the proposed route last summer to discuss plans.
Studies have shown that many people in those communities found people who live nearby either work at Ohio State or are students there. Hospitals and clinics are nearby as well.
Pullin said the new line will begin service in Sept. 2026.
The budget also includes money for 38 new buses and 42 more bus drivers with plans to increase service.
And it includes money to build and operate a new transit center near Rickenbacker Airport and for the study and design of a new transit center downtown.
Voters approved a 0.5% sales tax in Nov. 2024 to add bus rapid transit and improve sidewalks and bike trails around central Ohio.
