Proposed Downtown Circulator

Public Comment Meetings

August, 2013

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Purpose of meeting

Present a proposed downtown bus circulator concept

Solicit ideas, comments and answer questions about

a proposed downtown bus circulator

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What is a Downtown Circulator?

Special bus route circulating through a downtown area,

characterized by:

Improves connectivity between downtown area

activity centers

Encourages and supports downtown development

High frequency service

Uniquely branded vehicles and stops

Easy to understand and use

Reduced or free fare

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Numerous cities have

implemented downtown

circulators including:

Cleveland, OH

Trolley

Baltimore, MD

Charm City Circulator

Nashville, TN

Music City Circuit

Houston, TX GreenLink

Raleigh, NC

R-Line

Washington, DC

DC Circulator

Examples From Other Cities

Cleveland, OH

Nashville, TN Houston, TX

Raleigh, NC Washington, DC

Baltimore, MD

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Why a Downtown Columbus Circulator?

The downtown area continues to grow

with increased investments in:

Residential development

Entertainment and attractions

Employment

Dining and nightlife

Retail and services

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Enhancing Downtown Livability

Residential growth: approximately 4,500 existing units, with another

2,400 under construction or planned including:

Atlas Building

250 S. High

570 Lofts

Annex at River South

Arena Crossing

Flats on Vine I & II

Highpoint at Columbus Commons

The Hubbard Park Place

Julian Building Apartments

LC Apartments at High & Rich

Liberty Place Apartments

Leveque Tower

Neighborhood Launch

Parkside on Pearl

The Wood Company

Yankee on High

LC Apartments Arena Crossing HighPoint

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Improved Connections to Attractions and Events

Attractions and festivals generated nearly 8 million visitors in 2012 including:

Arena District

Arnold Fitness Expo

Arts Festival

Brewery District

CAPA (Ohio, Palace, Southern, Capitol theaters)

Columbus Commons

Columbus Convention Center

ComFest

COSI

First Night Columbus

German Village

Greek Festival

Huntington Park (Clippers/concerts)

Jazz & Rib Fest

LC Pavilion

Nationwide Arena (Blue Jackets/concerts)

North Market

Red, White & Boom

Scioto Mile

Shadowbox Live

The Short North Arts District (Gallery Hop)

And many more!

Columbus Commons Event Nationwide Arena Scioto Mile

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Meeting Downtown Employee Transportation Needs

Downtown area continues to be the largest employment

center in the region with approximately 85,000 employees.

More than 7,000 added since 2003. Major employment

sectors include:

Banking

Education

Government

Healthcare

Hospitality

Insurance

Legal

Utilities

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Improved Connections to Dining and Nightlife

The Cap

Short North

Gay Street

Ohio Theater

Brewery District

Arena District

Printing and Shipping Services

Gyms and Fitness Centers

Coffee Shops

Dry Cleaners & Tailors

Cell Phone Providers

Convenience Stores &

Pharmacies

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Improved Connections to Retail and Services

Grocery Stores

Banks

Hair Salons & Barbers

Clothing & Shoe Stores

Specialty Stores

Medical, Dental, and Vision

Services

Can significantly decrease the number of auto trips made by

employees and residents in the area. The proposed bus circulator will

connect a number of these services including:

North Market Health & Fitness Retail

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Attracting Visitors

Sixteen Downtown area hotels totaling

nearly 4,000 rooms. Hospitality sector

continues to expand with ongoing

investments to meet growing demand

Convention Center events attracted

more than one million attendees in

2012

The Short North Arts District is a

nationally recognized attraction

offering a wide variety of art, dining,

and nightlife activities

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Proposed Circulator Alignment

From Sycamore Street and Front Street:

North on Front Street to Park Street

East on Buttles Avenue

South on High Street

West on West Sycamore Street

4.1 mile loop

Provides improved connectivity between the

following areas in and around downtown:

Arena District

Brewery District

German Village

Italian Village

River South

Short North

Uptown

Victorian Village

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Proposed Stop Locations

20 stops

Signage will include distinctive branding

Where feasible, stops on Front Street will

include new passenger shelters

Real-time next bus arrival information at

select stops

Example of possible real-time display

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Park Once

Provides connections from various parking

garages and lots to popular destinations and

events

Helps alleviate parking problems along

segments of the alignment

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Proposed Service Characteristics*

Frequent Service

10-15 minutes Monday – Friday

15 minutes Saturday/Sunday/Holidays

Span of Service

7:00am -10:00pm daily

Reduced or free fare

Six 30’ branded CNG buses

Service planned to begin in May 2014

*As of 8-26-13

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Thank You!

Questions or Comments?