BROWN, FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATOR, LOCAL TRANSIT LEADERS RIDE COLUMBUS' PROPOSED RAPID BUS ROUTE

Press Release

Today, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) joined Federal Transit Administrator, Nuria Fernandez, and local transit leaders to discuss how the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) plans to use the record federal investment from the bipartisan infrastructure law to build innovative bus lines, reduce travel times and create jobs.

"Transit is really all about the Dignity of Work. It creates jobs, it connects people with jobs, it draws in investment to help cities like Columbus grow and create opportunity," said Brown. "COTA has shown they can build successful projects, and now they have the chance to build one of the best bus rapid transit networks in the nation."

"It is an exciting time to visit Columbus, one of the fastest-growing cities in the Midwest, to learn more about COTA's plans to expand bus service on corridors like West Broad Street that will be home to thousands of new residents and support scores of new jobs," said FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez. "I am grateful to Senator Brown, who was instrumental in securing record investment in public transportation in President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, for this opportunity to see the impact of the law in Central Ohio."

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, also known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), would help public transit agencies invest in expanding service for Ohioans, job training, and new zero-emissions vehicles. COTA has also started the process of applying to the Department of Transportation for more than $300 million in grants to support the LinkUS initiative. LinkUS would construct bus rapid transit lines and eventually increase COTA service by 25 percent.

"The historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is key to ensuring the future we leave for later generations is an equitable, accessible and sustainable one," said COTA President and CEO Joanna M. Pinkerton. "These resources are critical to helping the Columbus region provide world-class mobility solutions that will prepare us for the growth expected over the next several decades. COTA and our partners will seek funding through this investment to provide better access to jobs, safer streets for all users, environmentally responsible transit vehicles and a mobility ecosystem that connects everyone to social and economic prosperity. We thank Senator Brown for his leadership, and look forward to working with FTA Administrator Fernandez and her team in putting these dollars to work in our region."

COTA will benefit from a number of funding programs in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Ohio is expected to receive $1.347 billion in public transit formula funding over the next five years, with $149 million of that anticipated to go to the Columbus area.

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