Central Ohio Transit Authority Set to Launch New Bus Route Linking Ohio State Campus to Upper Arlington, Hilliard and Dublin
The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) is preparing to introduce a new bus route that could reshape public transportation access for thousands of people living, studying, and working in the Columbus metropolitan area. This proposed route will connect The Ohio State University’s main campus to key locations in Upper Arlington, Hilliard, and Dublin, offering students, faculty, commuters, and residents an enhanced option for reliable, affordable transportation.
For decades, Ohio State University (OSU) has been recognized not only as one of the nation’s largest and most prestigious public universities but also as a hub for economic, cultural, and academic activity in Central Ohio. With over 60,000 students enrolled, along with thousands of faculty and staff, OSU’s main campus is one of the most densely populated and visited locations in the state. However, public transit connections between OSU and many of Columbus’ fast-growing suburbs, including Upper Arlington, Hilliard, and Dublin, have historically been limited or fragmented. COTA’s new initiative is designed to address that gap.
COTA officials have emphasized that this new route is part of a broader strategy to improve mobility, reduce traffic congestion, and support sustainable transportation solutions across the region. As the Columbus metro area continues to grow at a rapid pace, with suburbs like Dublin and Hilliard experiencing steady increases in population and commercial development, demand for convenient, reliable transit options has skyrocketed.
“Our community is evolving, and our transportation system has to evolve with it,” said COTA CEO Joanna M. Pinkerton during a recent public meeting. “We are committed to ensuring that people have access to jobs, education, healthcare, and entertainment without being solely dependent on personal vehicles. This new route connecting Ohio State’s campus to Upper Arlington, Hilliard, and Dublin is a critical step in building an interconnected transit network for Central Ohio.”
The new route, which is still in the planning phase, is expected to feature frequent service throughout the day, including early morning and late-night options to accommodate diverse commuter schedules. The goal is to provide seamless connections between high-density residential areas, key employment centers, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions. This could be especially beneficial for students who live off-campus, university employees commuting from the suburbs, or residents of Dublin and Hilliard seeking direct, car-free access to OSU’s campus for events, classes, or work.
Upper Arlington, located directly to the west of OSU’s main campus, is an affluent, well-established suburb known for its residential neighborhoods and proximity to downtown Columbus. Despite its close physical distance to OSU, public transit options between Upper Arlington and the university have been somewhat limited, often requiring multiple transfers or reliance on personal vehicles. The proposed route is expected to streamline travel between these two communities, reducing commute times and improving accessibility.
Hilliard, situated further west of Upper Arlington, has experienced significant population growth in recent years, driven by its family-friendly environment, quality schools, and expanding business community. Dublin, one of the region’s most prosperous and rapidly developing suburbs, is home to major corporate headquarters, healthcare facilities, and cultural attractions, including the Dublin Irish Festival, one of the largest events of its kind in the nation.
With these suburbs playing an increasingly vital role in the regional economy, enhancing public transit connections to Ohio State University aligns with COTA’s long-term vision for sustainable growth. By offering a direct, efficient bus route linking these communities, COTA hopes to ease traffic congestion along major highways, reduce carbon emissions, and make commuting more affordable for thousands of residents.
Environmental considerations are also at the forefront of this initiative. COTA has been investing heavily in eco-friendly, low-emission transit solutions, including the expansion of electric and hybrid bus fleets. Officials have indicated that the vehicles used on the new OSU-Upper Arlington-Hilliard-Dublin route will likely feature clean energy technology, further supporting the city’s broader climate goals.
COTA’s announcement has been met with optimism from local leaders and residents alike. Many see the new route as a long-overdue investment that will benefit not only daily commuters but also the broader community by enhancing access to educational resources, jobs, healthcare, and recreational activities.
“It’s exciting to see real steps being taken to connect our communities,” said Dublin Mayor Chris Amorose Groomes. “Our city has been working to ensure we’re part of an integrated regional transportation system, and this new route is a significant move in that direction. It will benefit students, families, employers, and our environment.”
Similarly, OSU students and faculty members have expressed strong interest in the new transit option. For many students living in off-campus housing or commuting from nearby suburbs, daily travel to campus can be costly and time-consuming, especially for those without access to a car. The new bus route promises to alleviate those challenges while providing a more convenient, reliable, and affordable option for getting to class, work, or campus events.
Rachel Nguyen, a third-year OSU student majoring in public health, shared her perspective: “I live in Hilliard with my family and commuting to campus every day is a hassle. Parking on campus is expensive, and traffic is unpredictable. A direct bus route from Hilliard to OSU would make a huge difference for students like me.”
Beyond campus, the new route could also serve as an economic catalyst, making it easier for residents of Upper Arlington, Hilliard, and Dublin to access employment opportunities in and around OSU’s campus. With the university serving as one of the region’s largest employers, improved transit options can support workforce development and strengthen economic ties between Columbus and its suburbs.
Moreover, enhancing mobility across the region aligns with Columbus’ status as a Smart City. As the winner of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Smart City Challenge in 2016, Columbus has made significant strides in integrating technology and innovation into its transportation infrastructure. The new COTA route complements these efforts by expanding public transit options that promote equity, accessibility, and sustainability.
Community engagement will play a crucial role in finalizing the new route’s design and implementation. COTA has already begun hosting public forums, listening sessions, and online surveys to gather input from residents, students, and stakeholders. These efforts aim to ensure that the new route reflects the needs and priorities of the communities it will serve.
According to COTA officials, the project timeline includes additional planning, public feedback sessions, coordination with city governments, and securing necessary funding. While an exact launch date has not been confirmed, the agency hopes to begin service on the new route within the next 18 to 24 months, pending final approvals and logistical preparations.
The proposed bus route marks a milestone in COTA’s broader commitment to enhancing public transit across Central Ohio. As cities nationwide grapple with challenges related to traffic congestion, environmental sustainability, and equitable access to transportation, Columbus is positioning itself as a leader in developing innovative, community-driven transit solutions.
In the coming months, residents, students, and commuters will have the opportunity to weigh in on the proposed route, shaping a project that could redefine how people move between Ohio State University, Upper Arlington, Hilliard, and Dublin. For many, this initiative represents more than just a new bus line — it’s a step toward a more connected, accessible, and sustainable future for Central Ohio.
