MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—Marion has officially become a new stop on the GoBus statewide service, enhancing transportation options for local residents and visitors alike. GoBus recently approached city officials with a request to include Marion Area Transit as a stop on its purple route, which connects Columbus and Toledo.
The introduction of this service comes at no cost to the city or county, as GoBus buses will simply utilize the bus station for passenger pick-up and drop-off. The program went live in Marion in March, and Marion Area Transit Administrator Tara Nicolosi is optimistic about its potential.
“This service allows people in Marion to embark on day trips or travel to the Columbus airport, which is one of the stops on the purple line,” Nicolosi stated. She believes that the new transportation option will empower residents to explore beyond their local area. “Sometimes, they feel stuck in a certain region, but now they have the opportunity to venture out and visit places they’ve always wanted to see in Columbus,” she added.
Nicolosi has also observed an increase in visitors using the GoBus service to reach Marion. In one instance, a woman traveled from Columbus to Marion via GoBus and then utilized Marion Area Transit to complete her journey. “If they’re not from here, they can also use our transportation to navigate around town,” Nicolosi noted.
The GoBus service operates daily, with two stops in Marion each day at 7:35 a.m. and 1:05 p.m. In addition to Marion, the purple route includes stops in Upper Sandusky, Findlay, and Bowling Green, providing a convenient travel option between Columbus and Toledo.