COTA Commends Congresswoman Beatty and Congressman Stivers for Membership on Newly Formed Bipartisan Congressional Bus Caucus

The Central Ohio Transit Authority commended Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, U.S. Representative for Ohio’s 3rd congressional district, and Congressman Steve Stivers, U.S. Representative for Ohio’s 15th congressional district, for their membership on the newly formed Bipartisan Congressional Bus Caucus (BCBC).

“We are pleased to see the formation of a bipartisan Congressional Caucus, emphasizing the importance of bus transit service and adequate federal funding,” said COTA Interim President/CEO Emille Williams.

“Growth projections in the central Ohio region would increase population by nearly 1 million people and more than 300,000 new jobs. In order to meet the needs of a growing metropolitan area, COTA strongly supports federal investments through the Federal Transit Administration's Bus and Bus Facility program.”

The launch of the BCBC was announced on Thurs., Nov. 30, and is co-chaired by Congressmen David Young (R-IA) and Rick Larsen (D-WA). The purpose of the Caucus is to give a stronger voice to the over 1,100 bus transit systems across the country and highlight the need for adequate federal funding of bus transit programs.

“I am proud to join the Bipartisan Congressional Bus Caucus,” said Beatty. “As Representative of Ohio’s Third Congressional District, I have witnessed first-hand the positive impact the Central Ohio Transit Authority has on the lives of nearly 1 million Central Ohioans and its effect on the entire region. I will continue working hard in Congress to increase awareness and support of our nation’s public transportation system, and look forward to helping COTA build on their many transit successes.”

“Millions across the country rely on buses and other forms of public transportation every day, and Central Ohio is no exception,” said Stivers. “The Central Ohio Transit Authority does incredible work to ensure our region’s transportation system is reliable and efficient. I am proud to join the Bipartisan Congressional Bus Caucus to advocate for investment and innovation in our nation’s bus transit systems.”

The Caucus seeks to highlight the benefits of investing in bus systems, the challenges accompanying aging bus fleets and facilities, and encourage innovation in a rapidly changing transportation climate. The Caucus will raise awareness on Capitol Hill by holding occasional events to highlight the importance of transit agencies striving to deliver reliable service and meet a state of good repair.

Accounting for more than one-half of all transit trips each year, buses are truly the backbone of transit service, providing critical service in communities of all sizes. Proper maintenance and timely replacement of our nation's buses and facilities is critical to the preservation of this reliable, efficient and affordable transportation staple

Every day, 14.9 million passenger trips are made across the country on buses, with more than 60,000 in central Ohio alone. These bus transit trips provide access for people with disabilities, cost-effective transportation for low income riders, and help commuters get to work, students to school and patients to see their doctor.

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The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) is the regional public transit provider for Greater Columbus and central Ohio. With a service area of 1.2 million residents, COTA provides more than 18 million passenger trips per year, and employs more than 1,000 people. COTA operates throughout Franklin County, and parts of Delaware, Fairfield, Licking and Union counties. For more information about COTA, visit COTA.com or call (614) 228-1776.
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