Recent news stories have ballyhooed $200 million of available Federal money for light rail in central Ohio. Federal money, however, has never been the problem for central Ohio. As recently as the mid 2000s, Columbus could have tapped $375 million of Federal and State funding to build a north corridor rail line. The challenge is securing a local match.

Press Release:

The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission Supports Efforts to
Pursue Federal Funding for Regional Light Rail

(Columbus – January 9, 2009) The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) is enthusiastic about the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) and the City of Columbus’ efforts to pursue federal economic-stimulus funding to establish light rail in the North Corridor of Franklin County.

“Light rail will greatly impact central Ohio and has the ability to transform the region,” said Chester R. Jourdan, Jr., MORPC Executive Director.

MORPC has been a strong supporter of transit and intercity passenger rail for the Columbus region since the mid 1970’s.

“We are pleased that the community appears to be coming together to re-examine light rail in the North Corridor. This will be an important first step in achieving a regional transportation system that has the potential to serve all of central Ohio. We need to invest much more in transit, walking, and bicycling throughout out the region,” said Jourdan.

Light rail supporters anticipate that the project will bring much needed jobs to central Ohio and improve the region’s economy.

“We look forward to pursuing state and federal resources on all capital investment projects that will contribute to a robust multimodal transportation system, that will stimulate business growth, create jobs, and improve regional transportation. Regional light rail is in alignment with the broader vision of creating an integrated transportation system that provides central Ohioans with multiple transportation alternatives,” said Jourdan.

* Wireless Internet: Find a way to include wireless internet on the light rail and buses. It could even be a separate monthly pass purchased from the provider. This would be a huge assistance to attracting riders, making for a productive commute. Maybe use a policy like the airlines where texting and typing are allowed, but leave phone conversations off the train. See SF Wifi Bus: http://is.gd/fnOt

* North Corridor – a great way to open flow of people in both directions. The obvious use would be getting commuters to their work downtown, but we also have people who would use it to go to downtown restaurants, cultural events, festivals, independent retailers and sporting events (both OSU and downtown). To me, one of the keys to create an energetic downtown is the ebb and flow of people. In DC, I could easily visit different pockets in the city, so I got to experience more in less time. Although we have COTA, we have mostly been limited by the number of cars we can cram into the downtown area. Having transit allows us to bring in more people without limitations of parking. The flow could also give easy access to Northern resources like the Costco. What if an Ikea went in around Polaris?

* Day trips between Cleveland and Columbus. Ballpark specials – based on the potential location of an arena district station, a promotion between the Jake and the new Clippers ballpark could really generate excitement, ridership and cross-pollination of the fan base for both cities. I was on a Chicago train when a bunch of cubs fans were headed to a game, great energy.

* Think Ohio First, the effort to use Ohio service providers before looking outside the state. The program’s tracking is delayed for now http://is.gd/fnUx. My suggestion would be to convert some of these lagging auto stamping plants into a plant that can create these light rail cars. We will not only supply new transit systems for our own state, but other cities may buy from our manufacturers. – creating a Multi-layered stimulus.

* Multi-modal – I was so glad to hear Lhota mention integrating biking and other modes. It would be great if light rail had the ability to bring a bike aboard like our buses are starting to do. When that bike route thru campus is fixed up, having options of a bike to work or light rail (for bad weather) makes it a more flexible option.

Bob Cleg on the program Sunday morning is a schmuck !!!!!! He obviously didn t do his homework and knew nothing about the new light rail project. If you guys are going to be a credible news source make sure the panelist are informed on the issues. DOn’t spread you lies and fears without having all the info.

He obviously hadn’t read anytthing about the project. He didnt even know that there had been a economic analysis done. He also thought that they were just taking the plans off the shelf and present it as is. He knew nothing and it made me sick to know if anyone who hadn t been reading about it was taking in what he said.

If you want to start you own firm and do federal government contracts there is a website that you can sign up for and you can view all the opportunites they offer . http://www.fbo.gov . We can also discuss a working partnership because we work with a lot of A/E firms on design build projects. so let me you can send a PM if that works for you.

Also Walker you shouldnt join another news organization. You give the lil guy a voice which is much needed. You provide an arena for healthy discussion of the issues. Unless you could have a TV show of your own don’t do it. Not that you wanted to anyway.