GoBus Ridership Nears 125,000 Annual Riders

The Ohio Department of Transportation reports statewide growth in its public bus service, including a new route serving Belmont County.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Air Travel

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The Ohio Department of Transportation reports its GoBus statewide service now carries about 125,000 riders annually, with a new Yellow Line route serving Belmont County. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Ohio Department of Transportation says its GoBus statewide public transportation service now carries about 125,000 riders annually. The Yellow Line route connecting Belmont County to Pittsburgh International Airport and Columbus has recorded 650 riders since launching in March.

Why it matters

GoBus was launched with a goal of 10,000 riders in its first year in 2010, so current ridership reflects substantial growth over the program's history. The new Yellow Line gives Belmont County residents a direct public transit link to two major travel hubs.

Yellow Line fares from Belmont County are $15 to Columbus and $10 to Pittsburgh International Airport. GoBus is funded through federal and state grant dollars, and the source does not specify the total funding amount.

The players

Ohio Department of Transportation

The state agency that operates and oversees the GoBus statewide public transportation service.

The details

GoBus, a statewide public transportation service in Ohio, includes stops at Belmont College, Wheeling, Pittsburgh and Columbus, among others. The Yellow Line began serving Belmont County in March, connecting riders to both Pittsburgh International Airport and Columbus.

Timeline

  1. 2010: GoBus begins with a first-year goal of 10,000 riders.

  2. March: The Yellow Line begins connecting Belmont County to Pittsburgh International Airport and Columbus.

  3. Wednesday: An ODOT official spoke at a Belmont County commission meeting about the service.

Travel Outlook

GoBus is funded through federal and state grant dollars, which allow regional public transit to connect smaller communities like Belmont County to major airports and cities. Its growth from a 10,000-rider first-year goal to about 125,000 annual riders points to rising demand for affordable alternatives to driving.

Belmont County riders can take the Yellow Line to Pittsburgh International Airport for $10 or to Columbus for $15. Travelers planning trips should check current GoBus schedules before booking, since route availability may change as ridership grows.

The takeaway

Regional transit options such as GoBus's Yellow Line can offer lower-cost ways to reach major airports without driving. Riders in smaller counties may find these routes useful when planning trips.

Further reading

Explore more on Air Travel for context on how regional transit links connect travelers to major airports.

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Should your community support expanding local bus service with public funds?