Greyhound is coming back downtown ... sort of
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Columbus' bus stop saga is set for a resolution in the new year, with some Greyhound and Barons services shifting back downtown.
Why it matters: The move will reduce activity at a controversial gas station-turned-bus-terminal on the West Side, which has drawn criticism from neighbors, passengers and city leaders.
The latest: Starting Jan. 3, Greyhound will begin servicing arrivals and departures at a curbside stop at 306 E. Mound St., not far from its old station, a spokesperson tells Axios.
- The 845 N. Wilson Road terminal will then service transfers only.
Catch up quick: The change is expected to settle a court case between the City of Columbus and Greyhound and Barons from 2023.
- The controversy started after Greyhound sold its sizable downtown station at 81 E. Town St. to the Central Ohio Transit Authority in 2021. It's now closed.
- The North Wilson Road terminal opened in a residential area in June 2023.
- Following code violations and numerous complaints about litter, noise, crime, traffic and inadequate amenities, the city took Greyhound and Barons to environmental court to shut down the site.
Zoom in: City attorney Zach Klein's spokesperson tells Axios that a bus shelter similar to a COTA stop is proposed for the new East Mound Street stop, between South Grant Avenue and South Fifth Street.
- It will join two new stops operating near the Ohio Union on OSU's campus and at John Glenn International Airport.
The big picture: Greyhound stations nationwide are closing and relocating outside central business districts, often to improvised outdoor pickup locations, following the company's acquisition by an investment firm, Axios Cleveland's Sam Allard reports.
What they're saying: "We remain committed to providing reliable and accessible transportation options for our passengers during this transition," Greyhound's spokesperson said regarding the Columbus situation.
Meanwhile, another terminal-related issue concluded this week — an investigation into Mayor Andrew Ginther's alleged attempt to influence the judge initially presiding over the case.
- Last year, Judge Stephanie Mingo said Ginther called and asked her to side with the city. She recused herself.
- Whitehall city attorney Brad Nicodemus, the special prosecutor investigating the claim, said in a Wednesday news release he doesn't intend to file charges.
Editor's note: This story has been updated.