ASK ME ABOUT: The MetroNow! program’s first year and next steps in the Bus Rapid Transit initiative.
IS METRO PLEASED WITH INITIAL METRONOW! PERFORMANCE COMPARED TO ORIGINAL PROJECTIONS? MetroNow! has exceeded its ridership projections, providing more than 62,000 trips. Almost immediately, feedback indicated a strong desire to expand. In response, we’ve extended the pilot zone areas and service hours to better meet rider needs. We plan to introduce additional zones and explore partnerships with businesses and organizations to further develop the service.
WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP IN GETTING THE BUS RAPID TRANSIT (BRT) CORRIDORS RUNNING? The vision is to provide a high-quality, bus-based travel option that combines the speed, efficiency, and comfort of rail transit with the flexibility of traditional bus service. The BRT project is in its design and environmental phase, and we’ve kicked off a robust public engagement campaign to continue to identify what the community needs are. The timetable for the project is on track, and we’ll look to see construction begin in 2026, the Reading Road corridor to launch in 2027, and the Hamilton Avenue corridor to launch in 2028.
HOW DO THESE INITIATIVES ENCOURAGE EQUITY IN GREATER CINCINNATI? Transit is about providing an opportunity, and the Reinventing Metro plan has addressed issues of connectivity to jobs and essential services. We’ve been intentional about making MetroNow! affordable and accessible. The service is only $2. We have also provided the option to call for a ride. The $300-million BRT project creates access to 225,000 job opportunities through 24-hour service regardless of where they live.