Video: Bus System and Bike Path Could Roll into Columbus

[syndicaster id=’5797288′]

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) — Columbus residents could soon have some new transportation options.

City leaders are applying for 18 million dollars in federal grant money.

If awarded would build a rapid transit system and a shared use path for bicyclists and pedestrians.

People walking around Columbus could soon have a safer path.

If the city gets the federal money they will build a path for bicyclists and pedestrians in parts of Columbus.
That grant would also provide public transportation.

“Downtown lacks a lot of parking. To really be able to transport people from that major corridor to area’s around downtown and around the Riverwalk, close to the W.”

The route would also help people seek medical care at the hospital.

It’s an option some think is a great idea.

“I think it would cut down on congestion around town,” says Aly Chance.

Columbus City Planner Christina Berry says the system could attract new industry, creating jobs and bringing new people to town.

“Walking around Columbus, and I was thinking it’s a good place to live, but I was thinking here, there’s no buses. This would be a problem for me,” says Elias.

or just help those who can’t drive yet invest in the local economy.

“If I was with my friends or something and our parent’s couldn’t pick us up, and take us from one place to the other, that would help, like if we just wanted to walk and shop downtown,” says Kensi Lashley.

City leaders say it will be months before they know if they get the green light for the project.

Berry says the grant is highly competitive but she hopes they will receive the money, since the these two projects would ultimately make the city safer.