COTA Rickenbacker Mobility Center

A mixed-use transit facility designed for the future

In an effort to connect the Columbus area workforce with the dense cluster of warehouses and distribution centers in the area, COTA has embarked on a major project to construct a new transit hub. The project is being undertaken in partnership with a number of organizations, including the State of Ohio, MORPC, Lancaster-Fairfield Public Transit Pickaway Area Rural Transit, the Columbus Regional Airport Authority, and the communities of Columbus, Obetz, and Groveport. Columbus State and the Mid-Ohio Food Collective are also on board as part of the development to provide educational and nutritional support to local residents.

COTA is determined to ensure that the new transit hub will meet the needs of all potential users, including those in the childcare, medical, and banking industries. To this end, Bowen designed the facility to include transit bays and turnarounds, passenger waiting areas, bike storage, park and ride, car sharing services, and pedestrian connections with ADA accessible stops. The station also features a mixed-use retail component to provide “wrap-around” services for COTA riders and local residents.

The Rickenbacker Transit Center is designed with several goals in mind including: increasing public access to the Rickenbacker area, connecting with local transit for public access to destinations, designing for pedestrian-friendly vehicular interactions, and LEED sustainable initiatives with integrated landscape design features. The facility includes a mix of transit, retail, health & wellness, and childcare programs. COTA’s commitment to sustainable construction and operation is realized in the 10-acre site, featuring an integrated landscape design with outdoor amenities, walking trails, and water features.