2. 2
Purpose of meeting
Present a proposed downtown bus circulator concept
Solicit ideas, comments and answer questions about
a proposed downtown bus circulator
3. 3
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
4. 4
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
5. 5
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
6. 6
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
7. 7
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
8. 8
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
9. 9
Improved Connections to Dining and Nightlife
The Cap
Short North
Gay Street
Ohio Theater
Brewery District
Arena District
10. Printing and Shipping Services
Gyms and Fitness Centers
Coffee Shops
Dry Cleaners & Tailors
Cell Phone Providers
Convenience Stores &
Pharmacies
10
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
11. 11
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
12. 12
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
13. 13
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
14. 14
Park Once
Provides connections from various parking
garages and lots to popular destinations and
events
Helps alleviate parking problems along
segments of the alignment
15. 15
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