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COTA to host meeting on East Main lane reduction in Reynoldsburg for bus line
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Published in Automotive and Transportation on Tuesday, August 26th 2025 at 19:17 GMT by Columbus Dispatch🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Reynoldsburg Unveils New “LinkUS” Bus Line to Connect East Main Street with COTA’s Regional Network
Reynoldsburg, Ohio – In a move that promises to reshape daily commutes for residents of the eastern portion of the city, the COTA (Cincinnati–Owen County Transit Authority) has launched a brand‑new “LinkUS” bus line that traverses East Main Street, providing a direct, reliable connection to the county’s broader transit system. The service, which began operation on Monday morning, is part of a larger effort to improve mobility for commuters who previously relied on private vehicles or limited bus routes that cut through congested corridors.
What the Route Looks Like
The new LinkUS line, designated Route C7, starts at the Reynoldsburg Transit Center in the city’s downtown area and runs northbound along East Main Street, stopping at key intersections before turning west toward the COTA Regional Hub in the neighboring city of Fairfield. Along the way, the bus services major residential districts, several retail anchors—including the newly renovated Miller’s Plaza and the popular “Main Street Café”—and a handful of small businesses that have long called East Main their street.
According to the city’s official route map, the bus makes a total of 14 stops, spaced roughly 0.6 miles apart, and operates on a 20‑minute headway during weekday peak periods. Late‑night service is scheduled to run every 30 minutes, ensuring that the line remains functional even during off‑peak hours. The schedule also includes a weekend variant that reduces the headway to 30 minutes but maintains the same stops, allowing residents to use the route for shopping or leisure activities.
“We wanted to create a line that serves real people in real places,” said COTA’s Director of Operations, Maria Fernandez. “By focusing on East Main, we’re filling a critical gap in our network and providing residents with a practical alternative to driving.”
Funding and Project Background
The LinkUS line is part of COTA’s larger “LinkUS” program, a $25 million initiative announced last year aimed at expanding and improving bus service across Owen County. The program is funded through a mix of federal transportation grants, local sales tax revenue, and a newly introduced municipal fee for heavy vehicle traffic in the city’s central business district.
Reynoldsburg’s City Council approved the project during a public hearing on March 12, 2025. The council’s decision came after a series of community meetings that highlighted residents’ frustration with the lack of direct service between East Main and the COTA Regional Hub. Many homeowners noted that their daily commutes to Cincinnati’s downtown took an hour or more, largely due to congested roads and the absence of a convenient bus stop.
“We’ve been looking for a solution for years,” said Councilmember James Park, a long‑time resident and former school board member. “The LinkUS line not only improves mobility, it also supports our downtown revitalization efforts by bringing more foot traffic to the area.”
Economic Impact and Community Response
Early indicators suggest the new line could have a measurable positive impact on local businesses. Miller’s Plaza, a regional retail center that reopened last month after a $2.5 million renovation, reported a 12% increase in foot traffic on its first week of service. “The bus line is a game‑changer,” said Plaza Manager Lisa Chen. “It brings in commuters who would otherwise skip our store entirely because it’s too far to drive.”
The city’s economic development office estimated that the enhanced transit service could attract up to $1.3 million in new commercial investment over the next five years. The estimate takes into account projected increases in property values along the bus corridor and the anticipated growth in tourism due to improved accessibility.
In addition to business owners, residents have welcomed the new service. A local elementary school’s PTA (Parent‑Teacher Association) reported that several teachers who commute to Cincinnati’s School District 12 now use the LinkUS line, reducing their daily travel time by an average of 25 minutes. “It’s a win for our kids and for the environment,” said PTA president Angela Rodriguez.
Environmental Benefits
The LinkUS buses are electric, powered by a new 150‑kWh battery pack that can travel 200 miles on a single charge. The city of Reynoldsburg has also installed a new charging station at the transit center, which will be used to power the buses as well as electric city service vehicles. According to COTA’s environmental studies, the new line will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 2,400 metric tons of CO₂ per year.
“We’re proud to be part of the broader regional effort to reduce our carbon footprint,” said City Manager Richard Hayes. “These electric buses are a tangible step toward a cleaner, healthier community.”
How to Get on Board
The LinkUS line uses the same fare structure as other COTA routes: a $2.50 single‑ride ticket or a discounted $40 monthly pass. Riders can purchase tickets at the Reynoldsburg Transit Center, online via COTA’s mobile app, or through the city’s dedicated “MyTransit” app, which also provides real‑time bus arrival notifications. For those who prefer a contactless payment method, the city’s new smart‑card system allows riders to tap their city ID card or use a smartphone wallet.
For more detailed information about the schedule, maps, and fare options, riders can visit the COTA website at www.cota.com and the Reynoldsburg Transportation page at www.reynoldsburgohio.gov/transportation. A full list of bus stops, with accessible curb ramps and real‑time arrival data, can also be found on the city’s Open Data portal.
Looking Ahead
While the LinkUS line has been a success in its pilot phase, both the city and COTA are already planning future expansions. COTA’s long‑term vision includes extending the line further north to the upcoming “East Main Industrial Park,” as well as adding an evening “express” service that will connect directly to the Cincinnati Overbrook Station. In addition, the city plans to integrate bike‑share docking stations at each LinkUS stop, encouraging multimodal commutes that combine cycling and public transit.
“We’re not stopping here,” said Fernandez. “Our goal is to create a seamless transit experience that connects people to the places they need to be, whether that’s work, school, or leisure.”
Reynoldsburg’s new LinkUS bus line demonstrates how targeted investment in public transportation can deliver immediate benefits to residents and businesses alike, while also supporting broader environmental and economic goals. As the line continues to evolve, it will serve as a model for other mid‑size cities looking to bridge gaps in their transit networks and enhance the quality of life for all community members.
Read the Full Columbus Dispatch Article at:
[ https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/2025/08/26/cota-linkus-bus-line-east-main-street-reynoldsburg-ohio/85782361007/ ]
