The first bus rapid transit line, the Northwest Corridor, will be built on Olentangy River Road, which follows the Olentangy River northwest from the Arena District and Downtown Columbus. In Downtown Columbus, it will follow Long and Spring Streets to the COTA Transit Terminal on Rich Street. The route connects numerous medical offices, corporate buildings, and entertainment centers. Notable among these are OhioHealth, the
Ohio State University, Lennox Town Center, and the Astor Park development by
ScottsMiracle-Gro Field. As opposed to the
CMAX bus service, the bus line will aim for "true" bus rapid transit amenities, including dedicated traffic lanes, pedestrian-friendly features, and shelters with fare machines for fast boarding. In February 2021, after considering
light rail and BRT for the rapid transit route, LinkUS chose BRT. It cited a lower construction and operation cost while maintaining many benefits of light rail. In June 2021, the design process started as the city approved a $4.5 million contract to TransSystems Corp.; $3.75 million of this is from COTA and the rest is contributed by the city. COTA and city officials want construction on the line to start by the end of the decade; first they will apply for federal funds, a process that can take years. The project will be split into three phases, with the first phase of the route running from Downtown Columbus to Bethel Park & Ride and later phases going into Dublin. ==See also==