SMART COLUMBUS Smart Columbus was founded on the premise that together, our community can use technology and innovation to counter the disruptions impacting our residents and our region. This year has brought more disruption than anticipated, but the challenges provide us with new ways to think about Smart Columbus and its potential impact. Following is a summary of Smart Columbus Q3 activities, and a look at promising initiatives that will inform the mission and scope of Smart Columbus 2.0.
USDOT PROJECTS IN LINDEN The pandemic has impacted the ways we implement projects within the U.S. Department of Transportation grant portfolio, but the team has worked to quickly pivot to continue to serve the grant’s mission to improve quality of life through access to mobility. In July, Mayor Andrew J. Ginther joined community leaders to unveil three pilots that seek to improve mobility, road safety, and community food support in Linden: • Initially closed to the public to observe social distancing policies, the Linden LEAP self-driving shuttles have been recommissioned to transport pre-packaged food boxes from St. Stephen’s Food and Nutrition Center to the Rosewind Community Center. • Installations are underway so that residents may participate in the Connected Vehicle Environment. The equipment will provide real-time safety alerts intended to help drivers make more informed decisions while driving through Linden. The pilot will also enable Smart Columbus to hire up to 10 individuals as “Connected Vehicle Technicians In-Training” during the study. • Smart Mobility Hubs are now open at Columbus State Community College, Linden Transit Center, St. Stephen’s Community House, the Columbus Metropolitan Library’s Linden Branch, COTA’s Northern Lights Park and Ride, and Easton Transit Center.
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