Transportation Challenges Looming in Ohio

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."