ODOT and HAPCAP Announce Expansion of GoBus Service
COLUMBUS – The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), in partnership with the Hocking-Athens-Perry Community Action Program (HAPCAP), Thursday announced a major expansion of Ohio’s GoBus intercity transit network—significantly increasing mobility options for rural communities and strengthening statewide connectivity.
Through this investment, ODOT will fund four new intercity bus routes designed to extend GoBus service into previously unserved regions of the state. The expanded service will connect thousands more Ohioans to essential services, higher education, and employment opportunities.
The upcoming expansion will double the service footprint, extending routes to Western and Northern Ohio, including communities such as Bowling Green, Fremont, Marion, Middletown, Oxford, Upper Sandusky, and Yellow Springs.
“Transportation should never be a barrier to opportunity,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “This expansion provides those in rural and underserved communities reliable and affordable transportation options to access essential services.”
GoBus operates with deluxe 56-passenger motor coaches featuring free wireless internet, outlets at every seat, extra leg room, on-board restroom, and a seat belt at every seat.
“By expanding GoBus routes into more communities, we’re helping Ohioans connect to jobs, healthcare, and education—no matter where they live,” said ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn.
Connecting More of Ohio GoBus, Ohio’s Rural Intercity Bus Program, was created to link rural and underserved areas to metropolitan centers that serve as hubs for essential services and onward travel. The program is funded through the federal Intercity Bus Program and administered by ODOT in collaboration with HAPCAP.
Now celebrating its 15th anniversary, GoBus has grown from just 10,000 annual riders in 2010 to more than 129,000 riders in 2024. Currently, GoBus connects 36 cities, placing 64% of Ohio’s population within 10 miles of a stop and 93% within 25 miles of any intercity bus stop, including Greyhound and FlixBus.
“This expansion represents a transformative step for rural mobility in Ohio,” said Kelly Hatas, Executive Director of HAPCAP. “We’re proud to work with ODOT to connect more communities and make intercity travel accessible to all.”
Cumulative Impact: Existing + Expansion Service
- 9 GoBus Routes Total
- 27 Local Transit Connections
- 32 University Connections
- 47 Counties in Ohio with GoBus Stops
- 153K Estimated Annual Ridership
