Explanation
Title
To support Issue 7, to provide funding for the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA).
Body
WHEREAS, the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) manages Central Ohio's public transportation system, operating 234 buses covering more than 500 square miles of routes, resulting in 14.6 million rides last year; and
WHEREAS, each week, the Central Ohio Transit Authority provides more than 3000 rides to persons with disabilities, providing transportation options and greater freedom of movement for countless citizens; and
WHEREAS, COTA bolsters the region's economy, providing vital transportation services for workers throughout the region; and
WHEREAS Issue 7 would provide more service to the fastest growing areas of our community, and for second and third shift workers; and
WHEREAS COTA buses operate on an environmentally friendly bio-diesel fuel blend, reducing greenhouse gases and improving air quality throughout central Ohio; and
WHEREAS over the last ten years, Americans have increased their use of public transit by more than 25%, taking more than 9.7 billion transit trips; and
WHEREAS, a ten-year sales and use tax, if approved by the voters at the November 7, 2006 general election, will provide funding from April 1, 2007 through March 31, 2017; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council supports the Central Ohio Transit Authority and its work to expand bus service in Central Ohio.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Council encourages citizens to vote YES on Issue 7 on November 7, 2006.