Transportation Challenges Looming in Ohio

A new governor and State Legislature will be faced with increasing pressure on public transportation infrastructure and the need to change the state's approach to public transit, according to the Columbus Dispatch.

1 minute read

September 22, 2018, 11:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


An editorial by the Columbus Dispatch examines the transit challenges facing the incoming political leadership in Ohio, as the races for governor and State Legislature seats heat up. 

"In recent months, a coalition led by highway and trucking interests has been preparing to lobby Ohio’s next governor and legislature for major new investments in the transportation system," according to the editorial. Their concerns include a federal gas tax that hasn't increased since 1993, expiring proceeds from the Ohio Turnpike bonds, and the Trump administration pushing for state and local governments to shoulder more of the transportation funding burden.

"All of this means Ohio’s next governor and legislature, not far into 2019, will be asked to consider increasing Ohio’s gasoline tax, license fees and — most likely — a ballot issue to authorize a major bond package," according to the editorial.

All of the pressure to fund highway and road improvements is headed for a collision with the state's "traditional neglect of mass transit."

Monday, September 17, 2018 in The Columbus Dispatch

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

October 28, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

A car drives through a puddle, making a large splash. Rain pours down.

California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour

If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.

October 28, 2026 - Grist

A pencil rendering of Foundry Park, which shows skyscrapers and public green spaces.

Chicago breaks ground on $3 billion megadevelopment

The new neighborhood, titled Foundry Park, will one day host 3,700 residences.

October 23, 2026 - Chicago Sun Times

A rendering of a high speed rain station in California, with wide platforms and a sleep train with yellow highlights.

California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO resigns after $600,000 scandal

Under Ian Choudri, the authority used taxpayer dollars to fund first class flights and trips to nightclubs.

October 30 - Cal Matters

 A bridge stretches across the Missouri River at Chamberlain, South Dakota.

Want to study the Missouri River? Soon, you may need unanimous approval from 10 states

Legislation would require 10 governors’ permission to study or build projects moving water outside the basin.

October 30 - South Dakota Searchlight

Lake Powell with much of the water evaporated.

Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River

Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.

October 30 - Yale Environment 360