Ten billion.  That's how many people in the United States use public transportation to get where they need to go. For many, it's a lifeline.  A connection to their communities that they otherwise wouldn't have.  Others choose it to be environmentally conscious or to save money.  Or perhaps, those who choose transit simply want to avoid the headache of navigating rush hour traffic and rather spend their time catching up on emails, reading a book or preparing themselves for the day ahead.

No matter the reason, public transportation moves people and local economies and it's time to educate and celebrate.

For the third year, transit agencies across the state will participate in an initiative called "Ohio Loves Transit," February 10-14, 2020. Local transit systems will be highlighting how their systems are enhancing mobility for all around the state and spurring economic growth through job access.

“The timing of Ohio Loves Transit is perfectly aligned as TARTA begins its evolution into the future. Public transportation intersects with economic development, workforce development, quality of life, affordable housing and accessibility issues,” TARTA General Manager, Kim Dunham said. “Mobility freedom equates to opening doors of opportunity that allow access to jobs, medical services, doctor appointments, education, shopping, and so many other locations. Every successful metropolitan region in the United States has a robust public transportation system and our region should be no different. New buses, integrated fare technology, real-time data, on-demand service, intermodal connectivity and a vast array of other technology platforms are on the horizon at TARTA.”

Through fixed-line, TARPS (paratransit), Call-A-Ride and Share-A-Van programs, TARTA is breaking down the barriers of transportation.

“For TARTA to be successful, we need to ensure a long-term, sustainable funding stream that allows us to offer frequent, reliable and efficient service. Our aim is that TARTA becomes a mobility option of choice, not only for those who have no other alternative but for people who choose a car-free lifestyle,” Dunham adds. “With trends indicating an increase in elderly citizens who wish to "age in place" as well as members of the next generation who are seeking to live in communities where they can work, live and play and opt out of car ownership, public transit is most definitely the future. Please join us as we reimagine — and reinvent — TARTA.”

Ohio Loves Transit week will include activities with transit customers all week, peaking on Valentine's Day, Friday, Feb. 14, with the third annual “Ohio Loves Transit Day” celebration. On that day, OPTA agencies from across the state — Columbus, to Lancaster, Akron to Cincinnati and TOLEDO — will ask riders to share why they support public transit, and why our state and federal leaders should, too.

Want to get in on the fun?  Make plans to ride TARTA during Ohio Loves Transit week, through February and beyond and watch for updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Did you know…

• Ohio's 61 urban and rural transit systems embark on an average of 315,068 trips a day? That means more than 115,000,000 times each year.
• For every $1 that communities invest in public transportation, approximately $4 is generated in economic returns?
• In addition to the economic activity generated by transit spending, the 60,000 dedicated men and women who work for Ohio's 61 rural and urban systems support 180,000 jobs in communities across the state?
• A recent study found investment in public transit pays big dividends for property owners. The value premium for single-family residential property near public transit was as high as 32 percent, for condominiums near transit as high as 18 percent, for rental apartments near transit as high as 45 percent, for commercial property near transit as high as 120 percent, and retail property near transit as high as 167 percent?
• Every $10 million spent operating Ohio's transit systems generates $32 million in business sales?
• Ohio's transit systems are nationally-recognized leaders in the use of alternative fuels? Public transit in the state uses hybrid, electric, and hydrogen fuel-cell-powered buses. TARTA's entire fleet is powered by biodiesel fuel.

First Published February 10, 2020, 5:00 a.m.