Cincinnati Metro

Last month, Metro held a signing ceremony for the fourth round of Metro Transit Infrastructure Funds (MTIF). The most recent awards provided 19.1 million in funding for nine projects across seven Hamilton County municipalities. Since 2021, through MTIF grants, Metro has awarded 313 million in funds to 106 projects across the county, including $205 million awarded to the Western Hills Viaduct. MTIF was established when Hamilton County voters approved Issue 7 in 2020, allocating 25% of Metro’s 0.8% county sales tax proceeds for transit-related infrastructure improvements within Metro’s service area throughout the county. You can learn more about the MTIF details of the fourth round of grants at https://lnkd.in/gwhZAv97

Help us name your MetroRapid stations! Over the past few weeks, we've enjoyed sharing exciting updates on the future of Hamilton County’s game-changing Bus Rapid Transit system—from unveiling its name to showcasing the station designs. We'd love to have your input again! Help us identify MetroRapid station names by casting your vote and sharing your feedback. Submit your input at https://lnkd.in/gUVhPrab

This past Friday, March 7, Metro employees came together to celebrate the outstanding recipients of the Golden Bus Awards! Selected through Metro’s employee recognition program, these honorees were chosen from an impressive 285 Silver Wheel nominees, with 22 winners earning this distinguished recognition. The winners of the Golden Bus Awards are: - Nathan Kemphues, Administrative Staff - Tara Walker, Leadership Team - Karen Bolden, Maintenance – Queensgate - Jed Gaulin, Maintenance – Bond Hill - Curtis Gibson, Access - Angelo Irving, Operations – Queensgate - Randy Klein, Operations – Bond Hill A special thank you to Courtis Fuller for hosting the event and keeping the room filled with laughter, to all the employees who joined in celebrating their colleagues, and most importantly, to our nominees and award recipients for their dedication to Metro and the community we serve.

We're excited to continue sharing conceptual designs for MetroRapid! After revealing the curbside stations, we now have a rendering of the center station design. The center stations allow boarding to happen simultaneously on both sides, increasing efficiency. Both center and curbside station designs will offer safety and pedestrian and traffic improvements within their locations. You can learn more about MetroRapid at metrobrtproject.com.

You may have noticed Access paratransit vehicles traveling around the region and wondered what they are. These specialized vehicles provide essential transportation for elderly and mobility-impaired passengers who cannot ride fixed-route buses. Metro has been committed to reliable and accessible transportation since its founding in 1973. In 1977, we took a major step toward inclusivity by introducing Access service in 12 Cincinnati neighborhoods. Much like today, Access vans traveled to homes, helping passengers reach work, school, shops, medical appointments, and more. From 1977 up until 2020, Access was outsourced and operated by contractors. In 2020 Metro took over the service fully, allowing Metro to increase efficiency, maintain our quality of service, and be the sole provider of affordable transit for the region. In this time Access's service has expanded to support all of Hamilton county, continuously making developments for the betterment of our riders.

Metro’s leadership team, including CEO Darryl Haley, Deputy General Manager Andrew Aiello, Chief Strategic Planning, Development, and Innovation Officer Khaled Shammout, and Chief Communications and Marketing Officer Brandy Jones, APR, recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with elected officials and the Federal Transit Administration. They highlighted Metro’s recent successes, including increased ridership, expanded service through the Reinventing Metro plan, and significant infrastructure improvements made possible by investments in Transit. The team emphasized how these achievements have strengthened regional mobility, improved access to jobs and essential services, and positioned Metro as a model for effective transit growth.   Additionally, Metro’s Chief of Staff, John Ravasio, testified before the Senate Transportation Committee, advocating for greater state investment in public transit and safety measures.

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Gwen Robinson, our esteemed Vice Board Chair. A passionate community advocate, Gwen dedicated the past thirteen years to serving on the Metro Board, with the past year as Vice Chair. During her tenure on the Metro Board, she played a vital role in shaping our Reinventing Metro plan, providing invaluable leadership and strategic guidance that helped transform public transit in our region. Her commitment to enhancing accessibility and expanding mobility options was instrumental in advancing initiatives that will have a lasting impact on our riders and the broader community. Her vision, advocacy, and compassionate spirit will be deeply missed. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.

Metro is hiring! We are looking for dedicated professionals to join our team and help us continue to make a positive impact on our community. With competitive pay, great benefits and opportunities for career growth, now is the perfect time to take the next step in your career. Find your next career here at Metro, an organization dedicated to enhancing the region and providing for our community. Find more information at https://lnkd.in/g7uauugf

Meet Madison Wesley, University of Cincinnati Student Body President and a Metro rider. Since coming to Cincinnati, Madison has seen firsthand how Metro opens doors for students—connecting them at home to school and beyond. For Madison, access to reliable transportation is more than just convenience, it creates opportunity. Metro is helping bridge the gap between campus and the city, allowing students to be active participants in the community. 

Metro offers one of the lowest bus fares in the country, but for those balancing rent, food, medicine, and other essentials, even a low bus fare can be out of reach. In Cincinnati, where a quarter of residents live below the poverty line, Metro is the sole form of transportation. ERM partners with local agencies to provide fare assistance, ensuring that people can reach jobs, job training, healthcare appointments, and other essential services. Learn how your organization can join Metro in connecting the region and making transportation accessible for all at go-metro.com/erm