May 2026 Update
The LinkUS initiative is delivering on its promise to transform mobility in Central Ohio. These progress reports highlight key achievements, project timelines and upcoming opportunities for community engagement.
View Full May 2026 Progress Report
Since 2024
- Midnight service on all frequent and standard lines
- 8 lines with frequency enhancements
- 81 more Operators hired
- 76 more CNG buses purchased
- 5% increase in ridership
- 37 sidewalk, bikeway and trail projects funded for 2026
- Launch of Tap to Pay
- Midnight service on all frequent and standard lines
- 8 lines with frequency enhancements
- 81 more Operators hired
- 76 more CNG buses purchased
- 5% increase in ridership
- 37 sidewalk, bikeway and trail projects funded for 2026
- Launch of Tap to Pay
Design concepts are subject to change as planning, engineering and public engagement continue.
Key Highlights
- Line 6 Is Now a Frequent Service Line: Weekday service on Line 6 improved from every 30 minutes to every 15 minutes — a direct result of LinkUS investments responding to customer demand.
- West Broad TOD Study Launches Community Engagement: The West Broad Corridor Transit-Oriented Development Plan kicked off with a public meeting in March and has since held station area meetings across the corridor. Engagement continues through June.
- East Main BRT Hires Construction Manager: COTA’s Board of Trustees unanimously voted to hire Columbus-based Elford Inc. as Construction Manager at Risk, keeping the project on track and on budget.
- Northwest BRT Releases First Design Renderings: At 30% design, COTA is sharing a before-and-after look at the Olentangy River Road at King Avenue intersection, featuring dedicated BRT lanes, new sidewalks and an ADA-accessible station.
- TSI Projects Breaking Ground in 2026: Nearly 10 miles of new sidewalks, bikeways and trails are set to begin construction this year across 27 jurisdictions in COTA’s service area.
Project Status Updates
- West Broad Street BRT: Detailed design is at 90%. The project team is submitting final design changes to the FTA and awaiting a decision on Small Starts Grant funding.
- East Main Street BRT: Design is advancing toward 90%, with construction planning and coordination underway. Elford Inc. is on board as CMAR.
- Northwest BRT: At 30% design with 6.4 miles of dedicated transit lanes planned. COTA has submitted a formal Rating request to the FTA under the Capital Investment Grant program.
- Sidewalks, Bikeways and Trails: 37 projects are funded for 2026 with $29.7 million in combined funding, several of which are anticipated to break ground this year.
Design concepts are subject to change as planning, engineering and public engagement continue.
New! Interactive Events Calendar
Find public meetings, open houses and community events for all LinkUS projects in one place with our new interactive events calendar!
Find Upcoming Events And Meetings
Progress Report Archives
LinkUS progress reports are published three times annually to coincide with COTA service changes in January, May and September.
