Ohio to spend $106 million on public transportation

The Ohio Department of Transportation is awarding $106 million to 384 public transportation projects that will expand bus fleets and replace vehicles, perform regular maintenance and upgrade facilities and technology.

The funds come from the state’s general revenue and the Federal Transit Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The largest share of the funding, about $39 million, will go to Ohio’s Rural Transit Program to support 42 public transportation service projects in rural regions and small cities. Another $37 million will go to 199 projects through the Ohio Transit Partnership Program, which helps maintain the existing network of public transportation options in urban and rural areas.

Another major initiative, the Specialized Transportation Program, will receive about $8.6 million to enhance mobility options for older adults and people with disabilities who rely on public transportation. Another $8.6 million will provide transportation for commuters to more easily reach city centers where many employers are located.

Intercity bus networks will receive a total of $3.2 million for three projects to connect urban areas and outlying rural areas. The remainder of the funding, about $4.6 million, will go to Ohio’s Mobility Management Program. Five regional and 34 local projects will receive funding to help understand mobility needs, increase ridership and integrate public transportation with other city planning programs.

“Transportation isn’t just about moving vehicles; it’s about moving people. These grant funds target the pillar of ODOT’s mission to make transportation accessible, especially in our rural communities,” said Ohio Department of Transportation Director Jack Marchbanks.

The $100 million investment in public transportation comes on the heels of an announcement earlier this month that ODOT would spend $59.5 million to repair bridges throughout the state. In 2023, the state transportation department allocated $90 million for road improvements in a three-county area.

^{Strategic Partnerships, Inc.}^{can provide information on contract opportunities, plus existing and future government funding. For more information, contact}^{research@spartnerships.com}^.