Columbus residents face new transit route delays after council vote
The Columbus City Council approved a budget amendment on Monday, pushing back the start of the Easton corridor bus rapid transit project to next summer.
By Nadia Khalil ·
Columbus drivers will wait until at least June 2027 to see the new dedicated bus lanes on Easton Avenue. The Columbus City Council voted 8-3 on Monday to delay the start of construction for the Easton corridor bus rapid transit line. The project, which includes 14 new stations and signal upgrades, was originally scheduled to begin in spring 2026.
The delay stems from a budget shortfall identified in the city’s fiscal year 2027 planning documents. Finance Director Maria Alvarez told the council that the city faced a $12 million gap between projected revenues and the approved construction costs. She stated that the gap was caused by higher than expected concrete prices and labor costs.
Council members debated the timeline for three hours. Three members voted to keep the original spring start date, arguing that delays would further increase material costs. The majority voted to move the groundbreaking ceremony to June 2027, allowing the city to negotiate better contracts with local unions and suppliers.
The transit authority has already purchased the 45 new buses for the line. These vehicles are currently parked at the depot on West Broad Street. Authority officials said the buses will be stored indoors until construction begins. Maintenance crews will inspect the vehicles monthly to ensure they are ready for service.
Residents in the Easton neighborhood received notices via email and mail on Tuesday. The notice outlined the new timeline and explained that construction would still take place in two phases. Phase one covers the stretch from High Street to Morse Road. Phase two will extend from Morse Road to Dublin Boulevard.
The city council will review the revised budget at its next meeting on November 15. Public comment on the delay is open until November 10. Residents can submit comments online or at the city hall lobby. The council will vote on the final contract award at the same November 15 session.
The Easton corridor project is part of the city’s $200 million investment in public transit. Other projects in the package, including the South Central Avenue light rail extension, remain on schedule. Construction for that line is expected to begin in February 2027.
