Issue 47: COTA sales tax would fund dedicated bus corridors
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COLUMBUS, Ohio ( WCMH ) — Issue 47 was a COTA sales tax levy that would help fund a new public transit system and over 150 miles of sidewalks, bike paths and trails.
The ballot issue in all areas that the Central Ohio Transit Authority services would increase the COTA sales tax from 0.5% to 1%. It would fund LinkUS, the city's nearly $2 billion plan with COTA to upgrade public transportation.
It would help fund the implementation of three bus rapid transit corridors. Also known as BRT, it's a system that uses articulated buses to travel across dedicated lines. LinkUS had identified three initial corridors, on West Broad Street, East Main Street and Northwest. The plan also calls for 83 sidewalk, bike path and trail projects in central Ohio.
What Issue 47 passing means
If central Ohioans approve Issue 47, it would lead to a tax increase that would bring Franklin County's rate to 8%, tying it with Cuyahoga County for the highest in Ohio. The 0.5% increase would only mean an extra 50 cents added on to every $100 spent, or $5 for every $1,000 spent. Columbus is the largest city in the U.S. without a mass transit system, according to city leaders, who cite bus rapid transit as a step in the right direction. It's not light rail, but it's been touted as a cheaper alternative.
What Issue 47 not passing means
If central Ohioans don't approve Issue 47, Columbus, COTA, and other local entities involved with LinkUS will be left without the funding for its nearly $2 billion public transit overhaul. The initiative likely won't be going away, so don't be surprised if a similar levy shows up on future ballots.
