OH SB281

Amends Ohio Revised Code section 306.04 to authorize a board of county commissioners to award a franchise for public transit system operation on its own behalf, not just on behalf of a county transit board

Franchises must be awarded for a minimum of 10 years and require certification from the board of county commissioners before the franchisee can begin operating the transit system

Certification must include performance targets covering cost savings, efficiency gains, public safety and security, service quality, and return on county investments

Franchisees may implement new or improved services during the franchise term and must coordinate with other public transit providers to ensure effective transportation access

The board retains authority to terminate a franchise for material breach, with the franchisee having appeal rights to the board and subsequently to the court of common pleas