A beautiful day helped usher in an exciting event last Friday, Feb. 17. Gathered around one of two brand-new, state-of-the-art passenger shelters — the first-ever of COTA's shelters built on Capitol Square — various project partners, employees and customers took part in the ceremonial ribbon cutting at the South High Street location. The East Broad Street location was also officially open for public use after the 11 a.m. dedication led by COTA President/CEO Curtis Stitt.
Featuring copper roofing and metal scrollwork, inspired by a 19th century streetcar passenger shelter at the U.S. Capitol and maintaining a similar architectural style to the structure of the Ohio Statehouse, the shelters also feature time- and temperature-controlled heaters and internal lighting triggered by the level of light around the structure.
Together, the shelters will serve approximately 5,000 boardings each weekday and 35 lines, while providing enough shelter between the two for about 190 people at a time, inside and under the roof extension. The shelter structures are expected to last 50 to 100 years if maintained properly.
The two new shelters at the Statehouse cost approximately $295,000.00, from design to installation. The funding for the shelters was from 20 percent COTA local funds and 80 percent federal funds.
COTA is proud to provide the exceptional amenities for its customers and community. It is part of COTA's vision to be a distinctive asset to central Ohio and demonstrate its commitment to the revitalization of Downtown.
Major partners in bringing the shelters to fruition included the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board (CSRAB), Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District (SID), city of Columbus, Schooley Caldwell Associates and Rio Grande Group, LLC.
