Transcript Document
Mid Ohio Development Exchange
(MODE)
Presentation
January 16, 2014
History of Public Transit
Overview:
Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA)
Formed in 1972
Began operations on Jan. 1, 1974
As of Jan. 1, 2014 COTA celebrates 40th
anniversary
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COTA Stakeholders
Taxpayers
COTA’s service area population
1.2 million
COTA
Customers
Employees
65,000+ weekday trips
Approximately 870
Benefits of Public Transportation
Mobility
Provides personal mobility options
Reduces congestion
Economic development
Provides access to education and jobs
Boosts economic growth
Attracts businesses
Environment
Improves health and quality of life
Energy
Provides less dependence on foreign oil and enhances economic
stability
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Serving Our Community
COTA Facts:
Total service area - 562 square miles (all of Franklin, and portions of
Delaware, Union, Licking and Fairfield counties)
Number of buses in fleet - 333 fixed-route buses
Number of vehicles in fleet - 64 paratransit vehicles
Service hours - 918,000 fixed-route and 170,000 paratransit service
hours
Total number of routes - 67 lines (local, express and crosstown)
Total number of Parks and Rides - 28
Total number of bus stops - 3,688
Total number of passenger shelters - 378
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Serving Our Community
Cleveland Avenue BRT
Downtown Circulator
Sidewalk Improvements Design and Construction Costs
Park & Ride Acquisitions and Studies (New Albany, Polaris,
Dublin, Canal Winchester, SR665/I71)
Downtown North and South Terminals
Transit System Review
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COTA and City of New Albany Partnership
Community Partnership (example):
COTA acquired 2.5 acres of property in the City of New Albany to serve as a
Park and Ride facility for area residents and businesses
Our Goal:
To enhance transportation options within the City of New Albany and the
northeast quadrant of central Ohio
To provide public transit options to more than 12,000 employees and
customers of the New Albany Business Park
Shuttle service to transport employees from COTA’s Park and Ride throughout
the business park will be provided by the City of New Albany
The New Albany Public Service Department will assist with facility maintenance
Construction targeted for completion in August 2014
Service targeted to begin in September 2014
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Primary Funding Source
Sales and use tax
0.25 percent permanent
0.25 percent 10-year renewable (approved in 2006)
Total 0.5 percent through 2016
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Sound Business Practices
Prudent Use of Sales Tax:
Increased ridership by 24%, up 3.6 million boardings from 2006 level
Invested in infrastructure improvements to support community growth
Modernized and transitioning bus fleet
Restored/improved facility assets to like-new conditions
Replaced/improved passenger amenities (shelters, park/rides,
bus stops)
Updated technology infrastructure
Made strategic property acquisitions
Leveraged federal grant dollars
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Sound Business Practices
Prudent Management of Transit Operations:
Increased operating reserve level
Allows COTA to plan longer term
Weather short term funding gaps due to Federal delay
Implemented cost saving initiatives
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Energy Price Risk Management program
Controlled wage and salary costs
Transitioning to CNG powered vehicles
Financial Overview – 2014 Approved Budget
Operating Revenue:
$138 million
Operating Expenses:
$108 million
Capital Expenditures :
$54 million
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Risk of Sustaining Service Levels
Fixed-Route Service Hours
Sustainable Hrs.
1,400,000
Fixed-Route Service Hours
0.25%
PROJECTIONS
0.50%
1,200,000
1.130 million hrs.
1,000,000
800,000
691K Hours – Close
Fields
600,000
0.552 million hrs.
400,000
200,000
0.50%
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2012
2013
0.25%
*
Funding renewed – COTA will be able to sustain service level at 1.1 million hours
Funding not renewed – COTA will need to make drastic reductions in service levels, closure
of facilities and reduction of workforce.
* Close Fields Ave. Facility
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2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
0
In Closing…
Central Ohio has historically enjoyed vibrant growth
adding more jobs
attracting economic development
welcoming new residents and businesses
However, as the region continues to grow and prosper, new
opportunities and challenges are emerging that require planning,
including an investment in our transportation infrastructure
COTA’s goals support and assist in achieving the goals of the
broader community
Without investment in transit, we risk jeopardizing the economic
vitality and quality of life we have come to expect
We want to hear from you…suggestions, partnership opportunities,
more information?
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Wishes cost nothing, unless you want them to
come true.
-Frank Tygedd
Questions?
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