The document outlines public meetings for the proposed changes to the bus network as part of COTA's transit system redesign, detailing the purpose, guidelines, and agenda. It summarizes the background, goals, and benefits of the redesign, which aims to improve service frequency, directness, and accessibility while addressing potential service reductions in certain areas. It also provides next steps for public involvement and implementation timelines leading up to a major rollout in May 2017.

1. Transit System Redesign:
Draft Network Plan
Public Comment Meetings
October 15, 20, 21 & 22, 2015
November 4 & 12, 2015

2. MEETING PURPOSE & GUIDELINES
The purpose of this meeting is to take public comments on the
proposed bus network changes as part of COTA’s Transit System
Redesign (TSR)
• Be considerate of meeting attendees and COTA staff. Please silence all
cell phones and other technology.
• When it is your turn to make a comment or ask a question, please
remain at your seat and we will call upon you.
• Ask one question at a time so the appropriate COTA staff member may
address your comment.
• Comments and questions are limited to two (2) minutes per person.
• We encourage you to complete a written comment card (please
print legibly).
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3. AGENDA
• Transit System Redesign (TSR) Background, Purpose & Goals
• Proposed TSR Bus Network
• Proposed Downtown Plan
• Next Steps & Timeline
• Open House
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4. TRANSIT SYSTEM REDESIGN
background, purpose & goals

5. TRANSIT SYSTEM REDESIGN: BACKGROUND
• Oct 2013: Independent experts hired to review and evaluate bus network
• Jan-Feb 2014: Initial draft plan developed
• Mar - Jun 2014: Public input received through 10 public meetings, online
survey and focus groups
• Sept 2014: New proposed bus network completed based on public
feedback
• Nov 2014: COTA Board of Trustees accepted final report and adopted
framework
• 70% of operating resources allocated to high-ridership
• 30% of operating resources allocated to coverage lines
• May/Jun 2015: Four public meetings in addition to targeted stakeholder
meetings held in order to solicit feedback on revised Downtown Plan
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6. TSR GOALS / BENEFITS
• Simplified Bus Alignments – easier to understand and navigate
• More Direct Service – straighter routes & less deviations
• More Frequent Service – more high-frequency lines (15 min. or better)
• More Consistent Service – easy-to-remember schedules, 7 days a week
• New/Improved Connections – more service to major destinations &
employment centers
• Grid-Like Network – more Crosstown service = more transfer points
outside of Downtown
• Even Distribution in Downtown – Less congestion on High Street. More
transit service on Front, High, Third & Fourth Streets.
• More Access – More people within walking distance of a line. More
people near high-frequency lines.
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7. EXISTING FREQUENT NETWORK
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8. PROPOSED FREQUENT NETWORK
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9. PROPOSED BUS NETWORK
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10. 10
ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS FOR AFFECTED CUSTOMERS
Although the TSR will provide transit access to more people in
more places, some changes will result in reduced service in
certain areas.
COTA and our community partners are ready to work to
provide solutions for affected customers:
• MORPC RideSolutions provides a variety of services for commuters
traveling to and from work
• 1-888-742-RIDE (7433) or www.morpc.org/ridesolutions
• HandsOn Central Ohio connects people with specialists to help find the
transportation source that best fits your needs
• (614) 221-2255 or www.211centralohio.org
• COTA Mainstream is a service for individuals whose disability prevents
them from using fixed-route bus service
• (614) 275-5828 or www.cota.com/mobilityservices

11. PROPOSED DOWNTOWN PLAN
Overview, changes to All-Day, Peak Service

12. DOWNTOWN PLAN GOALS
• Provide more even distribution of buses on Downtown streets
• Stops distributed throughout Downtown – reduced crowding on
sidewalks
• Increased connections on Third, Fourth, and Front streets
• More frequent service with less buses on High Street
• Less congestion on High Street
• Improved storefront visibility on High Street
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13. DOWNTOWN PLAN – ALL-DAY SERVICE
• More even distribution of transit
service within Downtown –
along Front, High, Third &
Fourth Streets
• Increased frequency between
OSU and Downtown
• Transfer locations are in
multiple locations throughout
Downtown
• New and enhanced bus stops
• Direct service to Port Columbus
• Most bus lines move to High
Street in the late evening for
timed transfer connections
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14. DOWNTOWN PLAN – EXPRESS & PEAK-ONLY SERVICE
• All Express lines as well as
Local Line 13 Arlington operate
on Third, Fourth, or Front
streets
• Increased use of Downtown
Transit Terminals that offer
improved passenger amenities
• New and enhanced bus stops
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15. NEXT STEPS & TIMELINE
public involvement & proposed implementation plan

16. NEXT STEPS & TIMELINE
• October - November 2015
• Host community meetings and review comments received
• Identify 2016-2017 capital improvements budget
• November 18, 2015: Summary of comments presented to Board
• January 2016: Finalize TSR bus network based on final public
comments
• January 2016 - January 2017: Continue phasing in components of the
TSR via regularly scheduled service changes
• May 2017: Major implementation of TSR, including Downtown Plan
• September 2017: Implement CMAX Cleveland Avenue BRT and
modifications to Line 6 Cleveland Local
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17. ONLINE INFORMATION
Check out
COTA.com/TSR
• Full-size maps
• Individual line maps
• Bus stop changes in
Downtown area
• Public involvement
opportunities and latest
project updates
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18. COMMUNITY MEETINGS
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19. OPEN HOUSE
• Review maps and other information on boards arranged around the room
• COTA staff is available to answer your questions – your input is welcome
• Individual line maps available at sign-in table
• Comments may be submitted by:
• Completing a written comment form
• Calling Customer Service at (614) 228-1776
• E-mailing TSR@cota.com
• Writing to:
COTA
ATTN: Planning & Service Development Division
33 N. High St.
Columbus, OH 43215
• Check back at www.cota.com for updates
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20. OPEN HOUSE
COTA staff is available to provide information