In 2010, COTA began working to bring Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) to Cleveland Avenue. Local Line 1 serving Cleveland Avenue/Livingston is the second busiest route in the system, with a majority of daily ridership occurring along Cleveland Avenue. Line 1 ridership averages nearly 4,800 daily weekday riders, often with standing room only. COTA invites everyone to a number of public meetings to learn more about the BRT project. The public can provide valuable input into the project including development of unique branding for the BRT.

1. Public Open House
Feb. 27, 2014

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Agenda
1. Introduction of Project Team
2. Project History
3. About the Corridor
4. Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA)
5. What is Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)?
6. What is Enhanced Bus Service?
7. BRT Demonstration Video
8. Public Involvement Activities
9. Unique Branding Campaign
10. Public Art Program
11. Project Timeline – Next Steps
12. Get Involved

3. 3
Project History

4. 4
About the Corridor
 Serves Franklin County and the
northeast areas of Columbus
and adjacent communities
 Transit centers: Linden & Easton
 Park & Ride: Northern Lights,
Westerville
 Local Line 1
• Second busiest route:
4,800 daily riders
• Often has standing loads

5. 5
Locally Preferred Alternative
 BRT Stations (to SR-161)
• 32 northbound/29 southbound
 Enhanced local service stops
(north of SR-161)
• 7 northbound/6 southbound
 Estimated travel time (one-way)
• 20% travel time savings
• 35-39 minutes to SR-161
• 48-56 minutes to Polaris/Africa Rd.
 Local Line 1 continues to
operate
 Serves all stops
 30-minute frequency
Preliminary project cost: $39.4 million
(80% Federal & 20% Local)

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A mix of characteristics:
 Reduced travel times
• Fewer stops
• Signal priority (reducing stops at traffic lights)
• Dedicated lanes at peak times (High Street only)
 Frequent service
• 10 min. peak/15 min. off-peak
 Span of Service
• 16 hours (Monday-Saturday)
• 14 hours (Sunday)
 Unique and distinctive branding
 Enhanced passenger amenities
• Real-time information
• Enhanced stations
Kansas City Max Line
What is Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)?

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Characteristics:
 Upgrade in local bus service
 Operates within shared traffic lanes
with autos
 Focused on providing riders with
more travel options
 Designed to attract people who do
not regularly ride the bus
What is Enhanced Bus Service?
RapidRide enhanced bus service
in Seattle uses improved shelters
and upgraded buses to improve its
current transit system.

8. 8
BRT Demonstration Video
Insert Video Here

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Project Benefits
 Improved transit service
 Improved mobility and reliability in a congested corridor
 Travel times savings of up to 20 percent
 More travel options for growing transit-dependent populations
 Improved pedestrian access and safety
 Create opportunities for economic development within the corridor
 A projected 15-20 percent increase in ridership in the first five years

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Public Involvement Activities
 Project webpage (COTABRT.com)
 Educational materials available in
English, Spanish and Somali
 Social media & media relations
 Email notifications
 Agency & stakeholder meetings
 Neighborhood corridor & public meetings
• April, July and October
Before the project begins construction, a variety of communication
tools will be used to educate, inform and
solicit broad-based input from the public
and build project support.

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BRT Branding
COTA seeks public involvement to
develop unique branding for the BRT.
 Market research (February 2014)
• Focus groups
 Creation of draft concepts
(March & April 2014)
 COTA brand approval (May 2014)
• Promote new BRT brand

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 Development of Public Art guidelines
 Coordination with municipalities
 Public Art at key locations along corridor
Public Art Program
COTA will involve the public in the BRT Art Program.
Public Art at CTA Stations in Chicago, ILPublic Art simulating a piano at
Kansas City BRT station

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Project Timeline
Milestones for Current Phase:
 Complete environmental review (April 2014)
 COTA Board approval of environmental document (May 2014)
 Complete preliminary design up to 60% (July 2014)
 Submit application to FTA (September 2014)
 FTA New Starts Annual Report (February 2015)

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Get Involved
For more project information:
 Visit www.COTABRT.com
 Email COTABRT@cota.com
 Call (614) 228-1776 or TTY/TTD (614) 275-5878
Sign up to receive all project notices via email or direct mail.
Project materials can be produced in Spanish or Somali upon request.
Stay Connected With COTA!
COTABus | @COTABus

15. Questions or Comments?
We want to know what you think!
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