Page 42 - EAZ PLan

As the regional transit provider, the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) has very focused service within the Dublin Area. Existing lines center around the Tuttle-Emerald Parkway area, as well as locations on the interior of I-270. Long range plans for COTA have identified additional routes to Dublin Methodist Hospital just north of the EAZ, and the transit authority has been actively pursuing additional park-and-ride locations to complement its Dale Drive location. Areas under consideration include the Sawmill Road Corridor, the hospital area and a location in the EAZ near the U.S. 33 / SR 161 interchange.

COTA’s routes are currently provided in an amorphous pattern with Dublin located at the terminus of routes extending from the Ohio State campus and inner city. Major employers have stressed the need for additional transit access, particularly

in a cross-town patterns between suburbs that would increase access to potential service employees. Enhanced travel between the downtown employment core is also an important future consideration. To address these concerns, COTA’s plans include the capability to better link Dublin with the Worthington and Hilliard areas. In times of economic decline, however, COTA has focused its efforts to provide additional routes in other areas of the region. As a result additional planned routes in Dublin will be delayed in the near future. Planning for future routes has not yet extended to the EAZ and must be considered. The EAZ plan proactively looks at long term growth that extends beyond the hospital area. The EAZ plan serves as a guide for future mode choices and the general placement of routes.