Columbus has grown into a major city, but one thing still sets it apart from many others its size: there’s no subway, no passenger trains, and no light rail. For a place that’s seen explosive growth in recent decades, that gap in transit infrastructure feels more noticeable than ever.
So how did we get here? The story goes back more than a century, from a bustling streetcar network to decades of car-first planning, with a handful of bold transit ideas that came close but never quite happened.
From Horsecars to Electric Streetcars
Public transit in Columbus began in 1852 with horse-drawn omnibuses, evolving into horse-drawn streetcars along major corridors like High Street. By 1892, the city had fully electrified its system, positioning Columbus as a leader in early urban mobility.
At its peak, the streetcar network extended over 70 miles, connecting downtown to suburbs such as Bexley, Upper Arlington, and Worthington. These lines significantly influenced the city’s growth patterns.
READ MORE: This 1965 Video Of Columbus Shows Off Our Old Trolley Bus System
The Bus Era and the Formation of COTA
In the mid-20th century, Columbus, like many American cities, transitioned from streetcars to buses. The Columbus Transit Company operated bus services from 1949 until 1974, when the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) was established and purchased the company for $4.8 million. COTA expanded its services to encompass 27 municipalities and 17 townships across five counties.
Today, COTA operates more than 30 fixed bus routes, including rapid bus lines and paratransit services, providing nearly 19 million rides annually.
READ MORE: A Bus Rapid Transit Program Could Change The Way Columbus Commutes
1987 Downtown Monorail Proposal
Back in 1987, Columbus was seriously considering a downtown monorail. The idea was to build a sleek, elevated system that would connect downtown to Port Columbus (now John Glenn International Airport).
The goal? Cut down on traffic, offer a futuristic alternative to car travel, and give the city a big-league transit option. Renderings even showed a looping system gliding above Broad and High.
But like so many big ideas in Columbus transit history, it never got off the ground. The plan fizzled out before it could reach the funding or political support it needed — and the city stuck with buses instead.
READ MORE: The Monorail That Could Have Changed Columbus Forever
Absence of a Subway System
Despite various transit initiatives, Columbus has never had a subway system. While there were tunnels under Union Station in the 19th century, they were intended for pedestrian and streetcar use, not as part of a subterranean rail network.
READ MORE: The Fantasy Columbus Transit Map Has Been Updated And It’s Breathtaking
What’s Next For Transit in Columbus?
COTA is still doing the heavy lifting when it comes to public transit in Columbus. Its buses cover a huge area, over 500 square miles, and the agency is working on updates like electric buses, transit hubs, and on-demand service to better meet the city’s needs.
But bigger questions are still hanging in the air. Will Columbus ever get serious about light rail or regional train service? Can the city line up the funding and political momentum it would take to make that leap?
For now, getting around still happens above ground: on streets built for cars, in a city still figuring out what kind of transit future it wants.
