ThisWeek CW 10/8/2015
http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/canalwinchester/news/2015/10/05/new-transportation-program-is-off-to-great-start.html
The Groveport Rickenbacker Employee Access Transit system got up and running Sept. 28 with a handful of riders on its first day of service.
“It was a GREAT day today — sorry, I couldn’t resist,” Finance Director Jeff Green told Groveport City Council members at their meeting that night. “By the second loop, we had people on every bus and we had council members there by 5:19 a.m. for the first run.”
Earlier this year, city officials announced plans to provide a public transportation option to Rickenbacker-area workers which would bridge the gap between existing Central Ohio Transit Authority stops and the numerous industrial warehouse buildings they have to get to, often a mile or more from the nearest COTA stop.
The program is jointly funded by Groveport and Obetz, with additional support from COTA; city officials also are seeking grant funding. To recoup costs associated with the program, area businesses agreed to purchase ride passes for employees and to pay an annual fee.
“We are requesting that each business contribute $5,000 toward the start-up of the program,” Groveport City Manager Marsha Hall wrote in a summary to council. “If all of the 23 businesses contribute, this will total $115,000.”
Green said the city is thankful for all the outreach and marketing work COTA officials have done.
Councilman Ed Dildine said the riders he spoke with were very happy about being able to take advantage of the bus option instead of having to take a long walk from the COTA stop to the Stella & Dot and the Innotrac facilities.
Aside from the connections with COTA, Councilwoman Becky Hutson said some employees still found it convenient just to make it to the GREAT stops.
“I spoke with one woman whose husband dropped her off at the GREAT-COTA bus stop because that was more convenient for them — she was really thrilled,” Hutson said.
Green said the program already is having a positive impact beyond just getting people to their job sites.
“One more thing I want to say is that last Thursday, I was meeting with a company who is considering a move here, and if it happens, they’ll bring about 175 new, good-paying jobs.
“They said the difference between the two communities they’re considering is that I said we can guarantee we have advanced transportation options to bring workers to their doors,” Green said. “They were very intrigued by that.”
Council members agreed the system got off to a good start and they expect it to grow rapidly.
“I was on the afternoon runs and I thought it was very well-organized,” Councilwoman Donna Drury said. “I think within 30 days, you’ll be filling the seats.”
More information about the program is available online at cota.com/great.