COTA considering new route connecting OSU to stops in Upper Arlington, Hilliard, Dublin
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) is planning on creating a new bus route that would connect Ohio State University’s main campus to locations in Upper Arlington, Hilliard and Dublin.
As a result of community input, COTA has proposed a new transit route called Line 30, according to the agency. While a map of the planned line shows a fixed path through OSU and Upper Arlington, COTA is considering different possible routes in Hilliard and Dublin, which will ultimately be determined based on residents’ feedback.
The map shows the proposed line starts at the John Herrick Transit Center, located on OSU’s campus, then travels through Upper Arlington, to Cemetery Road in Hilliard.
There are then multiple options COTA is considering to complete the route. One potential path travels from Cemetery Road down Leap Road and the other loops around Avery Road. The route then leads north to Dublin, with one proposed segment traveling through Emerald Parkway and the other turning left onto on Avery Road.
The implementation of the new line will result in several changes being made to the existing Line 32 -- which currently runs from Easton to Hilliard -- including shortening it by moving its end point to Kingsdale Shopping Center in Upper Arlington.
The new route is made possible thanks to voters passing Issue 47 in November, a levy that is helping fund Columbus’ initiative with COTA to modernize its public transportation options, according to the agency. The 25-year plan, called LinkUs, is also striving to create a Bus Rapid Transit system and about 500 miles of sidewalks, bike paths and trails.
The new line, which does not yet have a finalized route, is scheduled to begin operating in fall 2026, according to COTA. Residents can give their feedback through a survey on COTA’s website.