Augmented reality shows plans for LinkUS rapid bus transit in Columbus

A new "augmented reality tour" offers a unique first glimpse at an $8 billion proposal to rebuild major streets for improved bus and bicycle travel.

Why it matters: Some of these busy corridors lack basic infrastructure like sidewalks, bike lanes and safe crossings.

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• The tour visualizes the potential fixes for voters, who will be asked this November to raise the sales tax to help the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) make these improvements.

State of play: If the measure is approved, the LinkUS project would turn five areas into "rapid transit corridors" over the coming decade: West Broad Street, East Main Street, a Northwest route connecting downtown Columbus to Dublin and two more that will be announced.

• The project would feature better bus stations, protected bike lanes, new sidewalks and greener landscaping.

The intrigue: COTA has traditional renderings available , but also spent around $50,000 to design the AR tour, which gives a pseudo-realistic view of what the changes could look like.

What we did: Axios used an AR app to project images of the proposed developments at three stops along West Broad Street.

• In front of the former Westland Mall, which is being demolished, we "saw" a row of new shops, sidewalks, and bike racks.
• At South Westgate Avenue, we saw protected bike lanes, a new bus stop and dedicated bus lanes. COTA likens speedier bus service to an above-ground subway.
• At Belle Street, we marveled at future development on the Scioto Peninsula near COSI.

Tyler stands in an augmented reality image of what West Broad Street could look like with the LinkUS project development.

How it works: Residents can try out the AR technology by downloading the free inCitu AR app. (We're told it works best on iPhones.)

• Sidewalk decals at the three locations feature QR codes to scan and view the images.

Between the lines: News reporters and public officials often try to explain how major initiatives would shape residents' lives, but words can only do so much.

• This AR tour — like the Zone In gallery we visited last month — attempts to visualize the impact in a more accessible way, Council member Lourdes Barroso de Padilla tells us.

💭 Tyler's thought bubble: It's not perfect. Not all COTA riders have iPhones or the free time to explore Broad Street.

• But I'm glad to see new efforts to inform the public better and hope these demonstrations continue.

A closer look at the LinkUS ballot item

The LinkUS project largely depends on Franklin County voters giving the green light in the upcoming general election.

Why it matters: County residents would pay a higher sales tax to fund LinkUS and other service improvements.

• COTA officials say this investment is necessary to achieve a greener region and better plan for expected population growth .

State of play: COTA is funded primarily by a 0.5% county sales tax. The ballot item would seek to double it to 1%.

Follow the money: This increase is expected to raise $6 billion through 2050.

• The local money would be leveraged to secure over $650 million in federal funding via President Biden's infrastructure law .

What they're saying: COTA cannot pursue a project of this scale without voters' support, says Aslyne Rodriguez, the transit provider's senior director for regional strategic partnerships.

• She notes there will be other investments besides the LinkUS corridors if the sales tax increase is approved — including increased bus service elsewhere and expansion of COTA//Plus, a ride request program .

What's next: COTA officials provided the following approximate timeline for LinkUS development:

• November 2024: Sales tax vote
• 2025: Construction begins
• 2028 or 2029: West Broad Street corridor finished
• 2029 or 2030: East Main Street corridor finished
• 2031: Northwest corridor finished
• 2032 or later: Two unnamed corridors finished

Read more about LinkUS

A rendering of a proposed new bus stop design.