A pilot program launches Friday, July 15 designating rideshare pick up and drop off locations in the Short North.
A partnership between the City of Columbus, the Short North Alliance, Uber and Lyft, the program will create eight marked zones along High Street, bordered by Goodale Street to the south and Fourth Avenue to the north. The zones will be in effect from 10 p.m. – 3 a.m. Thursday through Saturday and utilize COTA bus stops not in service during those hours.
“The pilot program will present the opportunity to create a safer environment to manage rideshare use and traffic flow along High Street in the busy Short North,” said Jennifer L. Gallagher, Director of the Columbus Department of Public Service. “It offers another potential tool to support mobility options in our city and safely manage high curb demand.”
The Uber and Lyft apps will notify users of the closest pick up and drop off zones, and drivers will be alerted that a customer is waiting in that zone.
“Rideshare options are extremely convenient and help patrons avoid driving while under the influence. However, we recognize that they can still pose safety concerns with increased traffic stopping on High Street,” said Betsy Pandora, Executive Director of the Short North Alliance. “This pilot program is one step we are taking to support the safety and wellbeing of visitors leveraging these transportation options.”
The pilot program is set to run through October 15.
For more information visit shortnorth.org.
