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🚌 Free ride future

Franklin County • May 12, 2025

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Good morning, Franklin County. Free bus rides could be in Columbus's future as COTA launches a comprehensive feasibility study to explore eliminating fares system-wide. The transit authority will spend the next 18 months examining everything from financial impacts to equity concerns—potentially joining cities like Kansas City that have already embraced fare-free public transportation. If implemented, the change would remove financial barriers for low-income riders while speeding up boarding times across the network.

Mark your calendars for a spicy weekend as Columbus Taco Fest returns to Goodale Park May 24-25, bringing over 25 food vendors and entertainment including a puppy dress-up contest that's sure to deliver both cuteness and salsa. The free festival benefits Friends of Goodale Park, while the following week's Columbus Taco Week (June 2-7) offers special deals under $10 at local restaurants with proceeds supporting Feed The Kids Columbus.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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🚌 Columbus buses might become completely free to ride. COTA, Columbus's transit authority, is conducting a feasibility study to explore eliminating bus fares across its system. Transit advocates argue that fare-free transportation would remove financial barriers for low-income riders and improve efficiency by eliminating boarding delays. The study, running through the end of 2025, will examine financial impacts, operations, equity concerns, and infrastructure requirements. If implemented, Columbus would join cities like Kansas City and systems in New Mexico and North Carolina that have already moved to fare-free public transportation.

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🇮🇱 Israel's Independence Day subdued amid ongoing war aftermath. Yom Ha'atzmaut celebrations are more somber this year as the nation continues fighting for survival following the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023. After visiting massacre sites before Yom Hazikaron (Memorial Day), it's evident that Israelis' emotions are heavily influenced by profound grief. The country remains in mourning over losses suffered that terrible day and throughout the subsequent 18 months of conflict.

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🌮 Columbus Taco Fest spices up Goodale Park with expanded celebration. The ninth annual festival returns May 24-25 with over 25 food vendors, live music, and family activities including a puppy dress-up contest. While admission is free, donations will benefit Friends of Goodale Park, and attendees are encouraged to arrive early to beat crowds. Following the festival, Columbus Taco Week runs June 2-7, featuring special taco deals under $10 at local restaurants with proceeds supporting Feed The Kids Columbus.

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🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Spacious ranch with income potential: Priced at $399,995, this spacious ranch home offers the charm of hardwood floors and a versatile layout on an acre lot, complete with bonus tiny home ideal for guests or rental income.
Real estate listing image Spacious Grove City family home: Priced at $349,900, this 5-bedroom Grove City home offers spacious living with a first-floor bedroom suitable for an in-law suite, updated kitchen with granite countertops, and move-in ready condition in a quiet neighborhood.
Real estate listing image Modern family haven plus basement: Priced at $365,000, this freshly painted one-story home offers 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and 1,800 square feet of living space with vaulted ceilings, a redesigned kitchen, and an additional 600 square feet in the finished lower level.
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