When it comes to the infrastructure, we rely on to get to and from work, school, health appointments, or run errands - we are lacking. 

Whether you sit in traffic, drive on gravel roads, wind through hilly terrain, or walk or bike alongside speedy traffic, we've all experienced hazardous conditions in our travels. Ohio’s infrastructure challenges are especially large and impact everyone, but rural communities face unique barriers when accessing transportation. We must prioritize human mobility over automobility, in order to build a system that truly works for all Ohioans no matter where they live.

Part 2: Rural Resilience & Local Innovation

In part I, I touched on a few solutions emerging to solve transportation issues rural communities face. Part I was a broad discussion that covered large themes of increased collaboration, realignment of resources and building support for a more intentional approach to connecting rural communities. Now, we turn to the response of rural communities, transit providers, and everyday citizens to their growing transportation needs. Communities from Circleville to Steubenville are seeing growth from rebounding industries, remote work relocations, or anchor institutions like universities and hospital networks and are struggling to keep up. Let’s look at a few examples of transportation providers and communities stepping up to make Ohio more resilient and our neighbors more connected. 

Critical to Ohio’s rural-based transit networks are Regional Transportation Planning Organizations (RTPOs). There are 6 RTPOs operating in the state serving mostly rural communities with unique solutions to solve local problems. Buckeye Hills Regional Council operates in southeast Ohio, an area often neglected in policy discussions in transportation and beyond. Buckeye Hills has emerged as a key player in advancing rural mobility across southeastern Ohio; for example, through its Coordinated Transportation Plan for Monroe County. Updated for 2025–2029, the plan identifies critical gaps in service such as limited evening and weekend transit, and outlines strategies to improve access for older adults, individuals with disabilities, and low-income residents. The county’s Mobility Management Program, supported by Section 5310 funding, fosters collaboration among local agencies, healthcare providers, and social services to expand transportation options. The agency launched their Woodsfield office in 2022, providing rides to medical appointments and even the local movie theater. 

In northwest Ohio, the Maumee Valley Planning Organization (MVPO) has also taken a collaborative approach to rural transit through its mobility management program launched in 2020. Serving Defiance, Fulton, Henry, and Williams counties, MVPO facilitated the creation of a multi-county coordinated transportation plan to address fragmented services. MVPO helped broker service agreements and joint funding applications across county lines, enabling broader access to federal and state resources. Their work has led to increased cooperation among county Boards of Developmental Disabilities and other local agencies; an example of combining efforts for comprehensive planning rather than duplicative efforts competing for funding and workforce. 

Ohio’s rural transit landscape is increasingly shaped by flexible, community-driven models. Demand-response systems, often referred to as “dial-a-ride,” or on-demand transit; allows riders to schedule trips in advance, offering door-to-door service in areas where fixed routes aren’t feasible. Some counties, like Knox County, have embraced volunteer driver programs, such as the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, which mobilize older adults to provide rides for their peers reducing isolation and expanding access at minimal cost. Knox County has also taken a coalition-based approach to increasing mobility; combining public education/awareness, active transportation programs, and public health to push for the full potential of transit to improve lives. 

Communities are responding to growing and long-lasting needs, pushing for new and expanding existing services. In some cases, it takes citizens to advocate for more service connecting neighbors to medical appointments, regular errands, or friends and family. Rural transit won’t thrive without public support. RTPOs routinely seek public input, often through citizen advisory boards or community meetings, and these forums are where individual voices can drive real change. Getting involved helps shift the conversation from status quo to solution. Whether it’s asking for evening transit hours, advocating for intercity rail, or organizing a local awareness campaign, one persistent voice can catalyze meaningful progress.

The themes connecting Part I & II are innovation and collaboration. Our rural transit and planning agencies are at the forefront of innovation in their resource allocation and ways to connect people to the places they need to go. Connecting our communities isn’t just about infrastructure, it’s about preserving dignity and combating isolation. These programs remind us that transportation is more than movement, it is access to a dignified and fulfilling life. Ohio’s rural transit landscape demands change, but sustained investment and collaboration will be essential to its future. To build a more connected and resilient state, we must champion innovative partnerships, citizen engagement, and mobility strategies that meet Ohioans where they are.