Starting April 1, 2025, Franklin County residents will see a sales tax increase aimed at transforming public transportation and infrastructure in Central Ohio. The Ohio Department of Taxation confirmed a 0.5% hike in sales tax, raising the rate to 8% in Columbus and many surrounding areas.
Table of Contents
This change comes after voters approved the Central Ohio Transportation Authority (COTA) levy, designed to expand and enhance transit access across the region.
What’s Driving the Sales Tax Increase?
The additional revenue will fund a suite of ambitious projects under COTA’s vision for a more connected Central Ohio. Key initiatives include:
1. Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Systems
- Five new BRT routes will be introduced, with the first along West Broad Street.
- These routes will feature:
- Dedicated bus lanes for faster travel.
- Traffic signal prioritization for reduced delays.
- Rail-style platforms to speed up passenger boarding.
- The system is modeled after Cleveland’s successful RTA HealthLine, which has significantly improved transit efficiency.
Kansas Eliminates Grocery Sales Tax in 2025: A New Era of Savings for Families
SNAP Payment Schedule January 2025: When to Expect Your Food Stamps on EBT Cards
SNAP Benefit Increase in 2025: Amount, Eligibility & Rates
Stimulus Payments Set to Arrive in January: Are You Eligible for Up to $1,400?
2. Expanded Sidewalks, Pathways, and Bikeways
- Over 500 miles of new sidewalks, multi-use pathways, and bikeways will be constructed.
- These upgrades aim to make the region safer and more accessible for pedestrians and cyclists.
What Residents Can Expect
Higher Sales Tax
Beginning April 2025, purchases will reflect the updated 8% sales tax rate in Franklin County.
Infrastructure Enhancements
While the tax hike starts in 2025, visible changes to West Broad Street’s transit system are anticipated by 2028.
A Bold Step for Central Ohio
The sales tax increase signals Franklin County’s commitment to a future with better public transit and safer streets. With the levy-approved improvements, residents can look forward to a more efficient, sustainable, and accessible transportation system.
Stay tuned for updates on construction timelines and service rollouts as COTA’s transformative projects take shape.
Leave a Reply