Young Professionals Call For Light Rail
COLUMBUS, Ohio—The Columbus Chamber of Commerce and public-policy leaders gathered at the Downtown Athletic Club Thursday to talk about what legislative issues are central to the success of business in Central Ohio.
The meeting aimed to impart that thought on public-policy makers.
“Young professionals in Columbus are frustrated. They’re asking, ‘Do we have growth potential?‘“ Long Tran said.
Tran is a 32-year-old IT consultant and said he had opportunities to work elsewhere—but he chose to make his home in Columbus.
“We’re not engaging the young professionals enough. We’re not answering the question: ‘Why are you professionals leaving?‘“ he said.
Several young professionals said they believe that light rail is a must for Columbus to attract more Fortune 500 companies and younger workers.
“They use it because it gets them to work. It allows them to do work while on the way there,“ Tran said.
Tran said he believes that transportation alternatives will get West Coast and East Coast companies to look at Columbus.
“I could see some of them coming here just because the lower cost of living would be nice,“ Tran said.
The chamber had 30 public policy makers taking part in the event and from rail to many other issues. They’re asking for those leaders to press forward.
“We are hopeful that our public policy leaders will also walk away with ideas on what they can work on at the statehouse to make our region stronger,“ said Steve Tugend, of Columbus Chamber.
Tran said he hopes the rail discussion picks up—and fast.
“Young professionals right now in Columbus are frustrated. They don’t see a direct line to the future now with the economic conditions,“ Tran said.
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Reader Reactions
This story used the phrase “young professionals” far too often, and that’s what readers seem to be reacting to. The real story is the revitalization of downtown Columbus, which a good light rail system would go a long way toward achieving. I am not familiar with the plan itself or its feasability in economic or practical terms, but this kind of thing is a very normal project for anyone who wants to bring business into a downtown area. At least someone is trying to think of ways to get us back on course.
In an Ideal world and an Ideal time maybe. Let all the young professionals pay for it all if that’s what they want. They can also buy all of your wonderful condo’s in downtown. More of our city government handy work. Let’s just clean house.
this young professional says “YES” we need to get around the city/suburbs better but “NO” to a light rail. we’re not long island (born and raised) where light rail is a decent option to bus/traffic.
guess what, stuff exists outside of the downtown area and that’s where young professionals and their new families live. i’d love to take COTA from Grove City to OSU every day rather than fight traffic and parking on campus, but it would take me 1.5-2 hours each way.
beef up the suburbian support for COTA, routes and times, perhaps a bus/carpool HOV lane on the major interstates rather than light rail.
Good idea, but not in tough economic times. Save your $, commute with car pooling or ride the COTA bus.
You don’t spend $ you don’t have. That’s the problem with society now. Charge it, charge it, charge it, which means they can’t afford it.
During these tough economic times it is not feasable to spend money on a light rail system. Fortune 500 companies and even new companies are not looking to relocate and set up offices when the economy is down this far. The benefits of this rail system will only help those who dont need help not the ones who are struggling to put food on the table or who dont have the education to work at most downtown companies. The money that the city has needs to be spent wisely for the good of the whole city not for just a select few. This city isnt just about downtown. More and more businesses are staying away from the busy and crowded downtown area for places in the oulying areas such as Dublin, Hilliard and others.
EXACTLY!!! That’s just what we need. Spend money we DON’T have so the “young professionals” can move around easily and STILL leave the kids out on the streets over the summer because the Rec Centers closed. I cannot WAIT to get out of this city…(can I get my mayoral vote back?)
Yes, yes, yes. We need a plan to connect, Marysville/Hillard, Delaware/Powell/Polaris, Lancaster, and Pickerington to Columbus via light rail. There is already existing track to do so, including track access to the fairgrounds and the Arena District.
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