Several transit authorities in central Ohio have been selected to receive part of a $13.5 million investment through the Ohio Workforce Mobility Partnership program.

The program directs federal funding through the state transportation budget to projects that support workforce transportation by connecting residents to economically significant employment centers, bridge service gaps between rural and urban transit authorities, and enhance mobility for residents in areas with limited or no public transit access.

Fifteen transit agencies across 16 counties are receiving funding through the effort, including the Central Ohio Transit Authority. COTA is receiving $128,000 for the engineering and design of the Eastwood Drive Transit Hub, which will feature a bus rapid transit platform, three bus bays, a park-and-ride lot and an operator layover facility, and an additional $1.58 million to launch Line 30, a new transit route connecting Ohio State University, Upper Arlington, Hilliard and Dublin.

“Transportation should never stand in the way of a good job,” said Gov. Mike DeWine. “This investment will help more Ohioans get to work and support employers who need reliable, skilled workers.”

Delaware County Transit received four separate awards totaling $334,250. The funding will help launch an on-demand microtransit service for employees living within 15 minute drive of the greater Polaris area; add four light transit vehicles to expand service capacity for the Polaris zone and growing FLEX Microtransit area; to replace an accessible van; and to replace two aging light transit vehicles.

Additionally, Licking County Transit received $1 million to replace nine aging revenue vehicles for light transit vehicles.

Through the OWMP, $13.5 million is made available each state fiscal year.