The COTA Reynoldsburg Park and Ride renamed in honor of long-time COTA employee Jim Hutcherson on Friday, Dec. 16, 2012, at 11 a.m.
Reynoldsburg Mayor Brad McCloud and COTA President/CEO Bill Lhota came together to rededicate the park and ride as the "James M. Hutcherson Reynoldsburg Park and Ride", located at 2100 Birchview Dr., Reynoldsburg, OH 43068.
After 38 years of devoted service, COTA is proud to name the facility in honor of the retired senior service analyst. Hutcherson's passion and extensive knowledge of COTA service, history and community relationships are unmatched.
During his tenure, Hutcherson was everything from bus operator, street and radio supervisor and superintendent of street operations to senior service analyst in COTA's Planning Department. He cultivated tremendous working relationships with government officials, community leaders, private businesses, key stakeholders and customers.
"Jim is well loved among his peers," said COTA President/CEO Bill Lhota. "He left us on July 29 and is already greatly missed as a member of our team at COTA. Jim's expertise and connections proved integral to the improvement of COTA's business operations and successful service expansion."
"With almost 200 people parking and riding at this location each weekday, COTA provides great, convenient transit service to the Reynoldsburg community," said Reynoldsburg Mayor Brad McCloud. "COTA keeps this facility in great condition and we appreciate the recent renovations. This is an excellent way for the people of Reynoldsburg to go green and save money. Thank you, Jim, for being a part of COTA and helping it become the first-rate organization it is today."
Along with renaming the park and ride facility, it was revamped. Renovations included repairing broken curbs, sidewalks as well as repaving and striping the parking lot, installing a high-capacity passenger shelter, bike rack and ADA ramps and replacing drains and grates.
