The light rail system proposed by the Central Ohio Transit Authority not only has its share of benefits, but it also has the support of a local transit activist organization.

“We want to link arms, not lock horns, and try to elevate the public’s awareness of the benefits of transit,” said Brian McCann, executive director of Capital City Transit Coalition, a transit advocacy organization in Columbus.

Mike Bradley, director of rail development for COTA, said a light rail system, with an estimated cost of $500 million, would increase the current bus system by 60 to 70 percent, create 24-hour service and facilitate economic growth in Columbus.

“Housing, office space and retail will develop in the area,” Bradley said. “This will produce many employment opportunities for students, because every $10 million invested produces 314 jobs.”

CCTC is in favor of a light rail and is working to gain support for transit and COTA. McCann said he is anticipating the future benefits of a light rail system in Columbus.

“The benefits include cleaner air, less congested highways and job prosperity,” McCann said. “There are a lot of benefits to the public, but it is difficult to make people see it. The story of transit has to be told, and we are acting as facilitator and purveyor for public information.”

Bradley agreed and said more screening needs to be done, as well as public education.

“The rail will provide a solid link to downtown, which will stimulate economic development and give campus residents greater access to transit,” he said. “Also, when people see transit they will more readily embrace downtown development.”

Bradley said the Federal Transit Association gave COTA’s light rail system a “recommended” rating. He also said if COTA meets preset criteria and continues to raise awareness of a light rail, $250 million from the federal government will be given to build the rail system.

Another benefit of the rail system is its dependability.

“Ten miles of the track are not mixed with traffic, and light rails are not affected by large amounts of snow,” Bradley said. “Time doesn’t become an issue because there are no traffic jams to worry about or delays due to snow.”

Samantha Prutch and Jack O’Connor, stylists for a major retail company, agreed they both support a light rail system in Columbus. O’Connor said he would appreciate less use of his car and being able to read on his way to work.

There would not be a change to the fee students already pay every quarter to COTA. Bradley anticipates the same admission on the rail system by use of a BuckID.

Krystal Vermillion, an undecided junior whose car recently broke down, said she thinks the current bus system is sufficient in getting students to the downtown area, but does not feel safe waiting at the stops.

“My car just broke down and I have to take the bus to work, and I thought it was difficult in trying to decide which routes to take,” Vermillion said. “I am still not completely familiar with Columbus and think a light rail would more efficiently outline specific areas that I want to go. However, personal safety is my No. 1 concern”

McCann said there are benefits specific to Ohio State students.

“This rail system could link campus to the community,” he said. “It could possibly help eliminate Section 8 housing and student ghettos in the University District and could also link campus to surrounding communities.”

McCann said Capital City Transit Coalition is not anti-highway and agrees some trips such as shopping, remodeling and emergencies are not meant for transit.

“I would just like to have a personal choice to what method of transportation to use,” he said.

Bradley said he is hopeful the light rail system will fix parking problems on campus.

Light rail has been highly successful in cities such as Portland, Ore. The Portland Streetcar has been running since July 20, 2001. In its first year, about 1,350,000 people rode the Streetcar, which was 150,000 riders above projections.