COTA’s LinkUS sales tax levy is on the November ballot, and Columbus Dispatch reporter Jordan Laird has detailed its implications for local residents.
An increase of 0.5% in local sales tax follows the Central Ohio Transit Authority’s successful levy vote that transpired Tuesday evening.
This tax hike is specifically designed to fund LinkUS, an ambitious initiative aiming to enhance bus services, develop rapid bus routes, and improve infrastructure with sidewalks and bike paths across the region.
By 10:45 p.m. on election night, unofficial results indicated that 57% of voters supported the levy, while 43% opposed it, with 98% of precincts in Franklin County reporting final counts. Surrounding counties such as Delaware, Licking, Fairfield, and Union also participated in the vote.
The new levy will not only renew an existing 0.25% sales tax but will also establish an additional 0.5% sales tax. When combined with another non-ballot 0.25% sales tax levy, COTA’s total share of sales tax escalates to 1%, raising Franklin County’s overall sales tax rate to 8%.
Celebrations erupted among Franklin County Democrats at an election night watch party following the positive outcome of the levy.
Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther emphasized the significance of this moment, declaring, “LinkUS is going to change the trajectory of this community.”
This levy is projected to generate approximately $6.2 billion by 2050, which COTA intends to utilize to bring the LinkUS vision to fruition. The goal includes a 45% increase in service, the establishment of the region’s inaugural rapid bus lines, and the development of over 500 miles of sidewalks, bike paths, and trails by 2050.
Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin conveyed the historical importance of the levy, stating it would foster greater connectivity as Columbus continues to grow.
Hardin remarked, “Columbus has been the largest city in the country without advanced transit, and today we took a huge step forward.”
The request for the levy came amid a time when COTA’s ridership numbers remain subdued in the aftermath of the pandemic. As the local population continues to expand, officials note that central Ohio has lagged behind peer regions in public transit investment and infrastructure development.
This new sales tax levy positions COTA on equal footing with the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority, which currently collects a 1% sales tax.
COTA President and CEO Monica Tellez-Fowler stated that residents can expect to see improvements starting next year, including extended service hours and enhanced frequency on select bus routes. Work on the initial rapid bus line is set to commence next year along West Broad Street.
In her remarks, Tellez-Fowler expressed gratitude to voters, stating, “All of COTA is very thankful for the voters helping us take this historic step forward for an inclusive, connected Central Ohio.”
LinkUS plan: What would the levy pay for?
Columbus area leaders have tirelessly developed the LinkUS initiative over several years. This ambitious plan includes the construction of at least five rapid transit lines, with the first three primarily being bus rapid transit lines.
These initial lines are designed to service routes along West Broad Street, East Main Street, and a third route extending Northwest from downtown Columbus to Dublin.
Bus rapid transit involves utilizing larger, 60-foot-long articulated buses that predominantly operate in dedicated lanes. The aim is to enhance efficiency comparable to automobiles, with buses scheduled to run frequently and benefiting from traffic signal prioritization. Additionally, bus stations will be constructed to be level with bus doors to facilitate faster boarding, and passengers will be required to pay their fares before boarding.
COTA’s plan also includes extending bus service hours until midnight within the upcoming year, with a gradual rollout of late-night service to eventually cover 24-hour operation on certain high-demand routes.
Moreover, LinkUS provides for the introduction of eight new COTA//Plus service zones, allowing riders to use an app for on-demand rides, reminiscent of ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft. Currently, there are just three such operational zones.
The levy’s proceeds will allocate roughly 27.5%, translating to about $60 million annually, towards what is termed “transit-supportive infrastructure,” including the development of sidewalks, bike paths, and trails. The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission has already outlined the first 83 projects set for completion by 2030.
jlaird@dispatch.com
**Interview with Columbus Dispatch Reporter Jordan Laird on COTA’s LinkUS Sales Tax Levy**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Jordan. The recent passage of COTA’s LinkUS sales tax levy has garnered a lot of attention. Can you explain what this levy entails for the residents of Central Ohio?
**Jordan Laird:** Absolutely! The levy includes an increase of 0.5% in local sales tax that will be on the ballot this November. This is a significant step for the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) as it aims to improve public transportation services across the region. The funds generated from this levy are earmarked for the LinkUS initiative, which focuses on enhancing bus services, introducing rapid bus routes, and improving essential infrastructure like sidewalks and bike paths.
**Interviewer:** That sounds like a major investment in local infrastructure. How did the voting go, and what were some of the reactions from the community?
**Jordan Laird:** The unofficial results were quite favorable — around 57% of voters supported the levy, while 43% were opposed, with almost all precincts reporting. There was a celebratory atmosphere among Franklin County Democrats at the election night watch party. Local leaders like Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther expressed their excitement, noting how LinkUS will significantly impact the community’s future.
**Interviewer:** In terms of financial implications, how much is COTA expecting to raise from this levy?
**Jordan Laird:** COTA anticipates that the new sales tax levy will generate around $6.2 billion by 2050. This funding will allow them to make substantial improvements, including a 45% increase in service levels, the establishment of new rapid bus lines, and the development of over 500 miles of pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.
**Interviewer:** COTA has faced challenges in ridership since the pandemic. How does this levy address those challenges?
**Jordan Laird:** That’s a great question. With ridership numbers still recovering, this levy aims to position COTA more competitively against peer regions, especially in terms of transit investment. By enhancing bus services and increasing connectivity in the area, COTA hopes to attract more riders and ensure that public transit meets the needs of a growing population.
**Interviewer:** What immediate changes can residents expect as a result of this levy?
**Jordan Laird:** Residents can look forward to improvements starting as early as next year, including longer service hours and increased frequency on select bus routes. Moreover, the initial work on the rapid bus line along West Broad Street is set to begin next year, which is an exciting development for commuters.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Jordan. It sounds like the LinkUS levy marks a significant turning point for public transit in Columbus.
**Jordan Laird:** Thank you for having me! It truly does represent a historic advancement towards a better-connected Central Ohio.
