TRI*METRO ENTERTAINMENT BUS

Learn. Experience. Ride.

Those three simple steps can help bring new ridership to Cincinnati Metro. The transit agency has partnered with Cincinnati young professionals organizations to promote tri*Metro, a campaign to introduce the many benefits of riding the bus.

On Saturday, September 13, Cincinnatians will have an opportunity to travel by bus to a variety of venues throughout Downtown, Over-the-Rhine, Mt. Lookout, Oakley, Hyde Park and O'Bryonville. From 8:00PM-2:00AM, ride Metro around town to your favorite bars and take advantage of drink specials offered by partnering venues. The best part: you get unlimited rides on all Metro Entertainment Buses for only $5 with prepaid registration or purchase one the night-of at any of the designated bus stops.

Buses will be running every 30 minutes; the perfect time to grab a drink, chat with friends, and be ready to travel onward to your next venue. An added bonus: you don't have to start riding Downtown. Just want to be shuttled between Oakley and Mt. Lookout? It can be done! Riders are free to pick up the Metro Entertainment Bus from any location on the route. Download a bus schedule and check out the drink specials:

MT. LOOKOUT (Bus Stop at Linwood and Delta)

• MLT- $4 well drinks until 9pm, 5 for $12 domestic buckets all night long
• Millions- $4 well drinks until 9pm, 5 for $12 domestic buckets all night long

HYDE PARK  (Bus Stop at Edwards and Erie)

• Cock N' Bull- $1 draft beers, $1 off cocktails,  half price apps
• Unwind Bar-  $5 house red, $5 house white, $1 off all beers

HYDE PARK  (Bus Stop at Erie and Marburg)

• Keystone- Half price drafts

OAKLEY (Bus Stop at Madison and Gilmore)

• Animations- $2.25 domestics, $2 Orloff shots, $3 Fireball shots
• The Oak- $12 domestic buckets, $1 off craft drafts

O'BRYONVILLE (Bus Stop at Madison and Cinnamon)

• O'Bryon's Bar & Grill- $8 Budweiser pitchers, $5 car bombs
• Art of Entertaining (open until 10pm)-  $5 wines, $5 beers, Live culinary demonstrations

OVER THE RHINE (Bus stop at Main St. and 13th)

• The Drinkery- $3 well drinks, $4 16oz domestics and $5 drafts  
• MOTR- Free live music
  
  

This bus is ready to party!

Not into the bar scene but still want to participate? There are plenty of restaurants, entertainment and relaxing patios nearby each of the stops.

MT. LOOKOUT SQUARE (Bus stop at Linwood and Delta)
Mt. Lookout Coffee Roasters, UDF, Buona Terra Gelato & Crepes, Lucy Blue Pizza, Zip's Cafe, Cloud 9 Sushi, Ruthai's Thai Kitchen

HYDE PARK SQUARE (Bus stop at Edwards and Erie)
Graeter's, Awakenings Coffee & Tea, Unwind Wine Bar, Indigo Cafe, Arthur's

EAST HYDE PARK (Bus stop at Erie and Marburg)
Hyde Park Pizzeria, UDF, Dutch's Bottle Shop, Bangkok Bistro, Hap's Irish Pub, M Woodfired Pizza. There's also a park across the street.

OAKLEY (Bus stop at Madison and Gilmore) 
Baba India, Skyline Chili, Aglemesis Ice Cream Parlour, Habits Cafe, Dewey's Pizza, 20th Century Theatre, Yat Ka Mein

O'BRYONVILLE (Bus stop at Madison and Cinnamon)
Enoteca Emilia, Owls Nest Park, plus a variety of boutique shops earlier in the evening.

OVER THE RHINE (Bus stop at Main St. and 13th)
Washington Park, Ensemble Theatre, Music Hall, Taste of Belgium, Quan Hapa, Senate, Bakersfield, Lucy Blue Pizza, Gomez Taco Window, A Tavola, The Eagle, Holtman's Donuts, Venice on Vine, 1215 Wine and Coffee Bar, Kaze. Basically, this stop drops off in the heart of the Over the Rhine Entertainment District, perfect for if you've been craving trying out any of  the popular restaurants.

DOWNTOWN (Government Square at Walnut and 5th)
Fountain Square, Smale Riverfront Park, Scotti's Italian Restaurant, Nada, Graeters, FUSIAN, Via Vite, Shanghai Mamas, Mr. Sushi, Rock Bottom, Palomino, Metropole, Boca, Akash India, Taqueria Mercado, Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse

Note that with the restaurants, that you check closing times before heading out. Most close at 9PM or 10PM, with the exception of Over The Rhine restaurants.

If you're having the bus ride of a life time, take note. The Metro Entertainment Bus is traveling the same path of Route 11, a bus which you can catch any day of the week. If you enjoy the ease of transit hopping venues on the weekend, consider getting a $10 or $20 stored value card to use the rest of the year. With bus fare costing $1.75 per ride, it's a safe and affordable way for groups of friends to get around town.

DUMP THE PUMP THIS SUMMER!

June 19 marks the 9th annual Dump The Pump Day, encouraging people to ride public transportation and save money instead of driving a car. Sponsored by American Public Transportation Association (APTA) the national holiday started in June 2006 when gas prices hit $3 per gallon. APTA recently issued a Transit Saving Report explaining that a two-person household can save an average of $10,174 a year by downsizing to one car. 

While some suburban areas of Cincinnati may not have access to our bus system, those households near public transit drive an average of 4,400 fewer miles than households that did not have public transit. Across the United States, that saves 4.2 billion gallons of gasoline annually. Taking the bus or riding the train also saves 865 million hours in travel time and saves $21 billion in congestion costs around major cities. 

Riding METRO or TANK buses in Cincinnati is enjoyable , affordable, and easy. Trips cost as little as $1.75 per passenger and can take you across Hamilton County, through Northern Kentucky, and even up to West Chester. It's a great way to travel to any of the tri-state's summer festivals without the hassle of congestion or parking. You name it, we've bussed it there: Lenten fish fries, weekemnd picnics, and Reds Opening Day!

Thinking about taking the bus for the first time?  METRO will be passing out FREE ride tickets to anyone who is a new rider or wants to give METRO a try from 12:00PM-1:00PM on Friday, June 20 at Government Square.

Other ways to celebrate Dump the Pump:

• Plan a bus trip on Metro using Google Transit on www.go-metro.com
• Calculate your fuel savings using Metro's online calculator or determine your carbon footprint at www.go-metro.com/fares-passes/savings-calculator

Here are some more fun facts APTA discovered:

• In 2013, Americans took 10.7 billion trips on public transportation - - the highest in 57 years.
• People board public transportation 35 million times each weekday.
• Since 1995 public transit ridership is up 37.2 %, outpacing population growth (20.3%) and vehicle miles traveled (22.7%).

CINCINNATI TRANSIT HISTORICAL PICNIC

Friends gathered for the annual picnic of the Cincinnati Transit Historical Association (CTHA), a group that's been preserving the transportation heritage of Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana for 35 years. Held in the lush gardens of the Hamilton County Fairgrounds, members and their families enjoyed a summertime spread by R&R Meats, featuring delicious cheeseburgers, brats, and tube steaks.

CTHA had their collection of vintage buses on display as well, including two TANK buses built in 1981 and the 1990s, a 1975 COTA bus from Columbus, Ohio, a 1953 Green Line bus from the Cincinnati-Newport-Covington Railway, a former Ohio charter bus, and others.

The crowd favorite is the 1953 Cincinnati Street Railway bus, which was donated to the group by METRO in 1984. (Fun fact: the orange and cream colors inspired the paint scheme for the new Cincinnati Streetcar.)

While looking at the buses is a trip back in time, nothing beats getting to climb aboard and go for a ride! Piling into the seats, retired bus drivers took the group for a spin around the fairgrounds, enjoying the rich hum of the motor, breeze sifting through the open windows, and the display of muscle power needed to maneuver a vehicle made in the days before power steering. We took a tour in three different buses, each with unique features, mechanics, and feel of the ride.

With activities and appearances going on year round, CTHA is a unique social organization filled with some of the most interesting and enjoyable personalities in Cincinnati. They're currently looking for enthusiasts to join, whether you like learning about something new, working hands-on to restore a bus, or helping out in their historical library. Volunteers are always appreciated and you can become a contributing member for as little as $15 annually.

Interested in learning more? Check out membership details on their website and keep a look out for their buses at upcoming events this summer: Glendale Car Show, Montgomery 4th of July Parade, Hamilton Car Show, and Hamilton County Fair.

BUSSING IT TO OPENING DAY

Parades. The first signs of spring. The first game of the season. While Opening Day for the Cincinnati Reds has been long-awaited, one things baseball fans aren't looking forward to are the wait times on the road. The Queen City's unofficial calendar holiday is expected to draw in 45,000 visitors and with several road closures and ongoing construction Downtown, this year is also expected to have the worst traffic congestion to date.

In addition to the parade route closing intersections at 8:00am, two major infrastructure projects: Dunnhumby at 6th and Race Street, and a hotel at 4th and Walnut, have blocked off lanes for equipment. Other streets have narrowed to one lane due to ongoing streetcar construction and utility relocation. Then, of course, are the parking garage fees, which can range anywhere from $20 to $35 for lots up to 14 blocks away from the stadiums.

Don't ruin a fantastic day with the headache of driving -- there is a better way.

METRO*Plus bus is Cincinnati's first bus rapid transit route, which offers speedier connections than traditional buses. By utilizing limited stops, METRO*Plus transports passengers between Kenwood Towne Center (Nordstrom) and Downtown every 15 minutes.  It's just as fast as driving, and you don't have to worry about navigating road closures or finding a parking spot. If you live along the I-71 corridor, check out the map to find a METRO*Plus stop near you. You can also search for bus routes on Google Maps by typing in your origin and destination, then clicking the transit icon. Route 90 will indicate a nearby METRO*Plus route.

If you live in Corryville, Avondale, Evanston, Norwood, Pleasant Ridge, Silverton, Deer Park, Sycamore Township, Over-the-Rhine, Xavier University, or University of Cincinnati:

 There is a METRO*Plus stop near you.

Click the bus icon for transit times and directions on Google Maps. Feature is also available on the mobile app.
Route 90 indicates METRO*Plus stops.

To find your bus stop, look for one of these brand new, easy-to-find METRO*Plus bus shelters

or a traditional METRO*Plus street sign.

Pro Tip: Make sure you're getting on a southbound bus. The scroll at the top should read "Downtown." 

If your bus says "Kenwood," you're going in the wrong direction. Cross the street to stand at the correct bus stop.

Going to the parade before the game? 

METRO*Plus has a bus stop at Findlay Market and further south at Court & Walnut Street (two blocks from the "halfway point" where the parade turns from Central Parkway onto Race Street). If you want to arrive closer to the stadium, get off at Government Square, the transit hub, at 5th and Walnut Street. From there, you are only three short blocks from Great American Ballpark.

 

METRO*Plus only costs $1.75 to ride each way, which saves you plenty of money for some extra beers at the ball game. (Pro Tip: If you don't have bus pass, it's cash only. No change is dispensed.) Getting home is easy too. After the Reds game, walk to 6th and Main Streets at Government Square Area H bus stop. A digital screen will tell you when the next bus arrives.  If you're just Downtown for the parade, use Google Maps to find the closest METRO*Plus stop -- remember, it's labeled as Route 90.

And that's it!
For less than $4.00, you can enjoy Reds Opening Day festivities without the hassle of getting there.

METRO'S FIRST TICKET VENDING MACHINE

Cincinnati METRO recently unveiled their latest addition to a series of service upgrades that will change the way citizens can purchase bus passes. Attached to the information booth at Government Square, located at Fifth and Walnut Streets, METRO installed the Queen City's very first ticket vending machine. 

Providing 24 hour access, customers will no longer need to visit the METRO Sales Office to purchase a fare ticket. Previously, passengers would have to buy a ticket from a clerk at the retail shop which was only open on weekdays, 7:00AM-5:30PM.  The storefront inside the Mercantile Building will remain open for customer service, however, the vending machine now provides flexibility in purchasing fares.

"This is just another way to make riding METRO easier and enjoyable. It's about making sure individuals can buy passes when it's convenient to them," said Terry Garcia Crews, CEO & General Manager of Cincinnati METRO.

Terry Garcia Crews, CEO & General Manager of Cincinnati METRO, and METRO Board Chair Jason Dunn
reveal the first ticket vending machine

"It's a primary focus to improve passenger experience of METRO by listening to and being responsive to customers' needs," continued Garcia Crews. "We've made sure that the ticket vending machine is accessible to individuals with disabilities, so it is at the appropriate height level. The machine is also bilingual and offers instructions in Spanish."

30-day rolling pass displays in English and Spanish

Minimal effort is needed to use the new ticket vending machines. The process is outlined in three easy steps with big, bold numbers.
 

1.) Select the type of ticket you want to purchase

2.) Insert money: you can pay with credit card or exact cash. 
No coins or debit cards are accepted.

3.) Retrieve your bus pass, which prints at the bottom of the machine along with a receipt.

 Now you're ready to ride METRO!

If you're riding the bus on a weekend or after hours when the sales booth is closed, you can buy a monthly pass or stored value card from the vending machine. A stored value card is my favorite way get around the city. It's perfect for the rider-by-choice; a person who uses the bus for leisure rather than a daily commute. The stored value card works similar to a gift card: an increment of $10, $20, or $30 is loaded onto a card then is swiped at the fare box when boarding the bus. The fare is automatically deducted; all you have to do is sit down and enjoy the ride.

AJ Knee was the first walk-up customer to use the vending machine.

METRO CEO & General Manager Terry Garcia Crews also bought a fare card from the vending machine

WCPO's Janell Walton stopped by for a bus pass

An added perk: customers can add up to 4 separate fare cards on one transaction.

Corryville and Clifton residents can look forward to the next ticket vending machine, which will be installed as part of the Uptown Transit District project. Be on the look out for real time information updates and a cell phone app, which are planned for the near future as METRO continues to roll out improvements while modernizing Cincinnati's transit system.

TRANSIT DRIVER APPRECIATION DAY

Have you thanked a bus driver lately? That's the idea behind Transit Driver Appreciation Day, an international celebration of the hard-working men and women who keep us all moving every day.

Originating in Seattle, March 18 was selected as the special day because it is the date that the first-ever bus service debuted, way back in 1662.

For hours on end, transit drivers manage to keep a schedule, check fares, give directions, announce stops, remember stop requests and more, all while safely maneuvering an extra-large vehicle through unpredictable traffic, adverse weather conditions and some really tight spaces. While we hope folks are generally cheerful to their drivers on a daily basis, take time today to give back with something as simple as a smile and a wave when your board the bus, and say "thank you" when you leave.

For those wanting to go the extra mile, print out and personalize these FREE Transit Driver Day thank-you cards to show your appreciation in person. Most importantly, submit an official commendation via email to Cincinnati METRO for a job well done, so your drivers can be formally recognized for their efforts. (You can do that any time of year!)

we discovered a treasure trove of deliciousness at All Saints Parish in Kenwood. - See more at: http://www.cincywhimsy.com/2013/03/fish-fry-4-all-saints-parish.html#sthash.GCK5ryuM.dpuf

ÜBER FAIL

As Cincinnatians gathered at The Mercantile Library to discuss issues at the Enquirer's transit forum, I was having my own educational experience by using car-free options to get around town. The plan was simple: I needed to get from Downtown to Mount Adams, a short journey of 1.5 miles which is five minutes away by car. I chose to take public transit for convenience and safety. I was traveling to and from my destination alone after dark and the bus stop was closer to the venue than the parking lot. I also didn't want to deal with navigating Mount Adams's winding narrow streets and limited parking options.

Bus or taxi are the only public transit options in the city (if you loosely consider a cab "public transit"), but recently the city began using Uber, a rideshare program that uses a mobile app to connect passengers with the company's drivers-for-hire. It's basically a high-tech way to order yourself a Lincoln Towncar, BMW or any other variety of vehicle to take you from A-to-B at prices competitive to taxis. Since the service is new to Cincinnati, Uber is offering two weeks of free rides to anyone who orders a driver. At the suggestion of a friend, I decided to try it out. The app worked great until it told me there were no Uber cars available, despite seeing three car icons within two blocks of my origin. I tried again a few minutes later; the next available was 20+ minutes away, not accounting for traffic signals, which would cut my arrival at the venue too close. Fortunately, I was able to catch the trusty ol' METRO Bus #1 for Fun, which dropped me off right at the building's entrance.

The challenge would be getting back Downtown. I was in Mount Adams to see a show at Playhouse In The Park. While it is surrounded by three METRO bus stops, transit service isn't available after 8:00pm. That's no good since the theatre lets out around 11:00pm. Route #1 service is extended on Saturday evenings with the last inbound bus departing at 10:52pm. Better, but still useless if you're at a show. Why an area would have three bus stops but no service during the prime business hours was perplexing, but so is everything transit related in Cincinnati. I shrugged and made alternate plans for my return journey Downtown.

As the actors took their final bow, I pulled up the Uber app to request a car. Again, the app showed icons of several cars-for-hire, but when I went to book, none of the UberBlack or UberX cars were available. I tried again as the audience slowly sauntered into the lobby, and again after I spent some time chatting with a friend. I walked out of Playhouse and over to the Route #1 bus stop, where I had been dropped off. One final time, I searched for an Uber car and none were available. What's the point in having a "try it and love it" free two week trial period for taxi alternatives if I can't request a ride in a span of 30 minutes?

Feeling stranded, I located the next closest active bus stop. It was a long walk down to the foot of Mount Adams hill, getting picked up in Walnut Hills on Gilbert Avenue by Route #11. Yep, I had to walk into a different neighborhood to find bus service. Fortunately, I didn't have too long of a wait for the bus, but taking the steep, desolate, dimly lit sidewalks to catch it voids my reason of using public transit for safety.

Efforts are underway to increase transit options in Cincinnati, whether through construction of the streetcar, new METRO bus hubs in Uptown and Western Hills, or new peer-to-peer transport such as Uber or Lyft. Yet, our city still has a far ways to go in creating viable accessible transportation if traveling 1.5 miles poses a challenge.

40TH ANNIVERSARY OF CINCINNATI METRO

From the early days of transit, buses have been a fixture in Cincinnati since 1926. For over 80 years, a private company, Cincinnati Street Railway, managed our city's transportation services until technologically advancements of the early 1970s took buses on a different route. In order to facilitate improvements, the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA) and the City of Cincinnati partnered to form Cincinnati Metro, a publicly owned and operated transit management organization. Since 1973, Metro has been riding the roads to success.

Photo courtesy of Cincinnati Metro

In honor of their 40th Anniversary, Cincinnati Metro hosted a celebration on Fountain Square. Cincinnati Transit Historical Society displayed their vintage Cincinnati Street Railway bus alongside three modern Metro buses for the public to tour.

 

Joined by other local organizations, Metro-themed prizes were handed out for participating in a spin-the-wheel game, ranging from pens, to tote bags, and even a miniature Metro bus.  Mascots from community organizations were present as well, including Buddy from Hoxworth Blood Center, Binny from Rumpke, and Red the Cincinnati Library mascot. (I think they should've named the library mascot Paige, you know, for books, but that would've been too punny.)

 

Photo courtesy of Queen City Bike

Paige Red and Binny

Earlier this year, Metro reached out to followers on social media to send in their favorite stories while riding the bus. One special story which touched everyone's hearts was that of the Settlemoirs, who met on the bus in 1973 during Metro's first year of service. Celebrating their 40th Anniversary as well, the couple renewed their wedding vows on Fountain Square by an officiant who was none other than a Metro bus driver.

Photo courtesy of Cincinnati Metro

Photo courtesy of Cincinnati Metro

Many exciting new improvements are coming to Metro in the next month. Check out their Facebook page and stayed tuned as for what's to come.