Columbus no longer planning for streetcars, light railDespite a lingering presence in regional planning documents, officials say the idea of streetcars for Columbus and light rail for central Ohio has been shelved.
The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission gave its OK yesterday to use more than $225million in federal money for roadwork, buses, bike trails, sidewalks and other projects designed to ease traffic congestion and improve air quality.
Don't expect action soon, however, on another item on the list:
Although MORPC continues to list Mayor Michael B. Coleman's 2006 streetcar proposal among the region's priorities - on paper, it's in line for $20million from the agency starting in 2015 - even Coleman has let the idea go.
"The streetcar plan is not something the mayor is pursuing in any way," spokesman Dan Williamson said.
And its successor, a light-rail line from Downtown to Polaris that was turned down for federal stimulus money in 2009, is finished as well.
Central Ohio Transit Authority spokesman Marty Stutz said COTA is no longer pursuing a light-rail plan.
Columbus Townhall > Forum > Politics > Local (Moderators: Peter, CTH Public Relations)
Topic: Light Rail
