Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), in partnership with the Hocking-Athens-Perry Community Action Program (HAPCAP), has announced a significant expansion of GoBus, the state’s intercity transit network. This move is expected to dramatically enhance mobility for rural and underserved communities, making it easier for residents to access work, school, and medical care.
With ODOT’s support, four new intercity bus routes will soon be added to the GoBus system, expanding coverage into previously unserved parts of Ohio. New stops will include communities like 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.”
The new routes will double GoBus’s current service footprint, vastly improving statewide connectivity and access to vital services for thousands of Ohioans.
GoBus Celebrates Growth and Milestone Year
GoBus, Ohio’s Rural Intercity Bus Program, was launched to connect smaller communities to larger metropolitan hubs. The system is federally funded through the Intercity Bus Program and is managed by ODOT in coordination with HAPCAP. Over the years, GoBus has become a lifeline for many residents living outside Ohio’s major cities.
Now celebrating its 15th anniversary, GoBus has seen remarkable growth—from just 10,000 riders in 2010 to more than 129,000 passengers in 2024. Currently, the system links 36 cities, with 64% of Ohio’s population living within 10 miles of a stop and 93% within 25 miles of any intercity bus stop, including Greyhound and FlixBus.
GoBus vehicles are 56-passenger motor coaches, offering free Wi-Fi, power outlets at every seat, extra legroom, seat belts, and onboard restrooms, ensuring a comfortable and modern travel experience.
“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.
Kelly Hatas, Executive Director of HAPCAP, added, “This expansion represents a transformative step for rural mobility in Ohio. We’re proud to work with ODOT to connect more communities and make intercity travel accessible to all.”
Expansion in Numbers
With the new routes in place, GoBus will operate:
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9 total routes
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27 local transit connections
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32 university connections
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47 counties in Ohio with GoBus stops
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An estimated 153,000 annual riders
As GoBus continues to grow, ODOT and HAPCAP are reinforcing their shared commitment to ensuring that no community is left behind when it comes to safe, reliable, and affordable transportation.
