COTA's $350M Transit Line + Summer Travel Boom

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In today's newsletter:

• COTA's West Broad BRT Line Ready for 2026 Construction: $370M investment transforms Columbus transit

• New Delta Flights to Orlando: Saturday service launches December 20th for winter escapes

• College Football Travel Boom: 40+ extra flights for 2025 season including Texas @ OSU

• Memorial Weekend Events: Breakaway Festival, Memorial Tournament, and summer season kickoff

SPONSORED BY: GT REAL ESTATE GROUP

COTA'S $370 MILLION WEST BROAD BRT LINE CONSTRUCTION STARTS 2026

Design work on Central Ohio's first bus rapid transit line is nearly complete, with COTA targeting early 2026 construction start for the game-changing West Broad Corridor. [Columbus Business First]

Key Highlights:

• West Broad Corridor spans 9+ miles from downtown to Prairie Township Community Center

• $350 million additional investment planned after $20.2 million already spent on design

• Dedicated bus lanes covering majority of the corridor for faster, more reliable service

• Fourth quarter 2028 opening targeted for Columbus's first BRT line

What Makes It Special:

• $18.44 million Aecom contract approved for final design completion

• Utility work and pre-construction activities starting as early as fall 2025

• Part of $8 billion LinkUs initiative funded by voter-approved sales tax increase

• East Main and Northwest corridors following with 2029 and 2031 completion dates

This transit transformation positions Columbus as a forward-thinking metropolitan area with modern infrastructure. For property owners along the West Broad corridor, the BRT represents a major value driver, dedicated transit lines historically increase property values within walking distance of stations.

Areas like Franklinton, Hilltop, and Prairie Township will see enhanced connectivity to downtown employment centers, making these neighborhoods increasingly attractive to young professionals and families seeking affordable housing with premium transit access.

NEW DELTA FLIGHTS TO ORLANDO LAUNCH DECEMBER 20TH

Columbus travelers get a direct path to Florida sunshine as Delta announces new Saturday-only seasonal service from John Glenn Columbus International to Orlando starting December 20th. [Delta Air Lines]

Key Highlights:

• Weekly Saturday departures at 8:00 AM through April 11, 2026

• Direct access to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and Legoland without layovers

• Perfect timing for winter escapes and theme park vacations

• Complements existing seasonal service to Mexico and Canada

What Makes It Special:

• Fills gap in Columbus's leisure travel options during peak winter months

• Saturday-only schedule maximizes weekend getaway potential

• Orlando represents one of America's top family vacation destinations

• Reflects growing demand for direct flights from Central Ohio

The addition of Orlando service demonstrates Columbus's expanding aviation footprint and appeal to major carriers. For real estate professionals, improved flight connectivity makes Columbus more attractive to relocating families who value easy access to vacation destinations.

Properties near the airport corridor may see increased interest from buyers who prioritize travel convenience, while the broader market benefits from Columbus's growing reputation as a well-connected metropolitan area.

SPECIAL HIGHLIGHT: BREAKAWAY MUSIC FESTIVAL ROCKS HISTORIC CREW STADIUM

The two-day Breakaway Music Festival continues through May 31st at Historic Crew Stadium, featuring top-tier artists and perfect weather for outdoor music. General admission and VIP packages still available for Sunday's lineup.

SPECIAL HIGHLIGHT: THE MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT DRIVES INTERNATIONAL ATTENTION

The Memorial Tournament presented by Workday runs through June 1st at Muirfield Village Golf Club, bringing PGA Tour stars and international television coverage to Columbus's northern suburbs.

THIS WEEKEND IN COLUMBUS: MAY 30 - JUNE 1

FRIDAY, MAY 30 [Experience Columbus]

Blooms & Butterflies | Franklin Park Conservatory | Through July 6

Clue: A Walking Mystery | Short North Arts District | Through June 15

Breakaway Music Festival | Historic Crew Stadium | Through May 31

The Memorial Tournament | Muirfield Village Golf Club | Through June 1

A Tribute to Roberta Flack | Up Front Performance Space

Bling Crosby LIVE | Edison Brewing Company

Columbus Comedy Cash Contest | The Attic Comedy Club | Through December 12

EMMA by Kate Hamill | Schiller Park Amphitheater | Through June 15

Freestyle Friday Comedy Show | The Attic Comedy Club

Fun Home | The Abbey Theater of Dublin | Through May 31

Hashtag Comedy Open Mic | The Hashtag Comedy Company | Through June 20

Ivan Kane's Forty Deuce Burlesque | Ivan Kane's Forty Deuce

Jakobs Castle: Featuring Jakob Nowell of Sublime | A & R Music Bar

Kiss and Tell | Shadowbox Live | Through August 30

Rock this Way: Aerosmith and Van Halen Tribute | Shadowbox Live | Through June 1

Rooftop Vibes | Budd Dairy Food Hall | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

The Drowsy Chaperone | Short North Stage | Through May 31

Theatre Reset Short Play Festival | Columbus Performing Arts Center | Through May 31

SATURDAY, MAY 31

Canal Winchester Farmers' Market | Stradley Place | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Clintonville Farmers Market | N High St & Orchard Ln | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

German Village Farmers Market | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Granville Farmers Market | Raccoon Valley Park

Grove City Farmers' Market | Grove City's Historic Town Center

The Dublin Market | Bridge Park

Worthington Farmers Market | Old Worthington Historic District | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Westerville Saturday Farmers Market | COhatch Westerville

JVA Summerfest | Greater Columbus Convention Center | Through June 1

Brittney Mack Broadway Series | The Avalon Theatre

Honey and Blue LIVE | Edison Brewing Company

Three Musketeers | Lincoln Theatre

Wallows: Model & More Tour | KEMBA LIVE!

Sean Kenney's Nature Connects | Franklin Park Conservatory | Through September 7

Civil War Ghosts of Green Lawn Cemetery | Columbus Ghost Tours

Paint & Sip Beach Paradise | Wine and Canvas

Pickerington Public Library Comic Fest | Pickerington Public Library

SUNDAY, JUNE 1

Columbus 10K | North Bank Park, Downtown Columbus

Concerts on the Green: Worthington Chamber Orchestra | Worthington Village Green

Sara Kays: Reasons To Call You On Tour | A & R Music Bar

Grandview Heights Farmers' Market | Larson Middle School | Through October 12

Bexley House & Garden Tour 2025 | Columbus School for Girls

Columbus Reptile Expo | Columbus Reptile Expo

Problem Child Alt Comedy Open Mic | The Attic Comedy Club

Sunday Cinema Club | BrewDog Franklinton | 7:00 PM

Pound and Pour Fitness Class | BrewDog DogTap

THIS WEEK'S WRAP-UP

Home owners: The West Broad BRT line represents a generational infrastructure investment that will significantly impact property values along the corridor. Properties within walking distance of planned stations should see appreciation accelerate as 2026 construction approaches. Areas like Franklinton and Hilltop are particularly positioned for growth.

Home buyers: Consider transit-oriented development opportunities now, before BRT construction drives up prices. The combination of improved connectivity and Columbus's continued population growth creates a compelling investment thesis for properties along planned transit routes.

Bottom line: Columbus continues evolving into a major metropolitan hub with world-class transit infrastructure and expanded aviation connectivity. The LinkUs initiative represents the largest public transit investment in Central Ohio history, while new flight options reinforce the city's growing national profile. These developments create lasting value for property owners and position Columbus for sustained growth through the decade.

Thinking about making a move? Let's chat and connect you with our partners!

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See you next week,

— Gagan Timsina