What We Do
Ohio has dense urban neighborhoods, rural villages, and suburbs of many different types. The state has also experienced minimal population growth in the last fifty years, although where people live has shifted over time.
Greater Ohio Policy Center (GOPC) advocates for the preservation and “right-sizing” of Ohio’s existing transportation infrastructure system, investing in more than single-occupancy vehicle travel, and developing an infrastructure network that can safety and efficiently accommodate users of all modes.
Advocating for Enhanced Transit Services in Ohio
Increasing Safe, Low-cost, High-impact Transportation Options
Public transportation is a vital link for millions of Ohioans. Since FY2020, the Ohio General Assembly has invested a record $225.8 million in Ohio’s public transportation agencies. This has been an important down payment for Ohio’s future, but now is not the time to pull back support for public transportation.
Despite these notable funding gains, Ohio still ranks far below the national average on investment in public transportation. The American Society of Civil Engineers 2021 Public Infrastructure Report Card gives Ohio a D in public transportation, noting that our per capita spending on public transportation (currently $5.94) is significantly below the national average ($58.69).
Public Transportation Revenue Sources, FY2020
Expansion of transportation services—particularly in rural communities—will require investment by the state through GRF funds.
GOPC recently made our case for why now is the time to invest in public transportation in our white paper Building on Momentum: An Argument for State Investment in Public Transit in Ohio which provides an assessment of both the current state of Ohio’s public transportation infrastructure and capacity. The report focuses on why, given shortages of reliable workers, and a growing number of rural elderly and disabled residents who need transportation options, it is crucial for Ohio to continue to maintain and grow the historic investments which have been made in public transportation since 2019.
Nearly one out of every 10 households in Ohio does not have access to a motor vehicle, meaning walking and biking options are necessary. At the same time, bicyclists and pedestrians make up 14% of all roadway fatalities in Ohio.
That is why GOPC has advocated for the establishment of a statewide active transportation policy that ensures the state’s roadways can safety accommodate all types of users and is sensitive to local context, facilitating the safe and efficient movement of people, goods, and services.
Photo Credit: Eric Anspach
2021 saw the release of the Walk.Bike.Ohio Statewide Bike and Pedestrian Plan, Ohio’s first statewide active transportation plan (which GOPC served as a member of the steering committee and currently serves as a member of the implementation advisory committee.) This plan will help guide investment in, and creation of, shared roadways that make it safe for all users to access Ohio’s roadways and create opportunities for transit-oriented development.
GOPC is researching the current challenges to installing active transportation infrastructure in Ohio communities and will be sharing existing technical assistance programs, funding opportunities, and statewide discussions in 2023.
Greater Ohio Policy Center (GOPC) believes developing AT infrastructure is good for Ohio because it provides choices by helping people get to work, school, healthcare and other services without relying on a car; supports vibrant neighborhoods; and offers cost-effective mobility options, for both individuals and the state. Click above to learn more.
Related Publications & Recent Testimony
Additional Resources
Active Transportation in Ohio: Promoting A Transportation System for Everyone
Greater Ohio Policy Center (GOPC) believes developing AT infrastructure is good for Ohio because it provides choices by helping people get to work, school, healthcare and other services without relying on a car; supports vibrant neighborhoods; and offers cost-effective mobility options, for both individuals and the state.
Walk.Bike.Ohio Statewide Bike and Pedestrian Plan
As a policy plan, Walk.Bike.Ohio will guide policies, programs, and investments in infrastructure to improve walking and biking, but does not recommend specific infrastructure projects.
Public comments submitted to the Transportation Review Advisory Council (TRAC) regarding the 2024-2027 Major New Construction Draft Program List on Friday, February 16, 2024.