As Metro arrives at the midpoint of its bold reinvention initiative and the end of a year filled with momentum, it’s taking stock of the progress so far and the improvements ahead in 2025 and beyond.
In 2020, Hamilton County voters placed their confidence in Metro by approving Issue 7, which reinvests approximately $130 million annually into Metro to support service improvements and innovations. The bold five-year Reinventing Metro strategy provides a roadmap to help Metro reinvent transit to better serve the community.
2024 marks the midpoint of the implementation of Reinventing Metro and provides the opportunity to reflect on what has been achieved, and what is on the road ahead.
In the past three years, working with business and community leaders and residents of the city of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, Metro has achieved the following:
- Connected 220,235 jobs in Hamilton County with access to 24-hour Metro service.
- Facilitated $850 million in total wages now accessible by riding Metro.
- Increased frequency and span on most routes for faster and more reliable service.
- Awarded $317 million in Metro Transit Infrastructure Funds (MTIF) to 100-plus projects throughout Hamilton County to support related infrastructure projects, such as new sidewalks, bridge repairs and road improvements.
- Launched the on-demand MetroNow! service in two zones to great reception.
- Planned the multiyear initiative to build cutting-edge Bus Rapid Transit service (BRT), which will make Metro one of the most advanced transit systems in the U.S.
- Introduced 7 new crosstown routes; 7 routes with 24/7 service; more amenities and vehicles; and is halfway through implementing 400 new benches and 205 new shelters to enhance the rider experience.
“At Metro, we have so many accomplishments to be proud of, especially our pre-pandemic ridership recovery,” said Darryl Haley, CEO and general manager. “Our ridership is at 117% of where it was before COVID-19, while most transit agencies nationwide are at about 70-80% ridership. We believe our success reflects the community’s trust in us to get them where they need to go and their excitement about the improvements so far and those yet to come.”
Looking ahead, there are plenty of great things on the horizon:
- More MetroNow! zones will be introduced in more areas of Hamilton County, increasing transit options for more riders.
- Over 4,000 bus stop signs will be updated across the network to improve visibility and clarity for riders and operators.
- Metro will continue to refine service; embrace innovation; and amplify public transit in the region through the rollout of improved amenities, such as apps, real-time signage, sustainable vehicles, technology improvements and more.
- Excitement is building over the game-changing BRT. Metro recently launched a BRT stakeholder advisory group to ensure the system will meet the diverse needs of the community. Robust public engagement resulted in the selection of a BRT station design; and this community-driven process will soon result in a name and look for the service. Meanwhile, the complex planning, design and build-out process continues. The first BRT route on Reading Road is set to launch in fall 2027, followed by the Hamilton Avenue route in summer 2028.
Finally, the Reinventing Metro Plan is more than just lines on a map — it represents our deep commitment to being a strong partner to the local business community. We’ve prioritized creating opportunities and fostering partnerships with diverse vendors across the region. In 2023, Metro made remarkable strides, more than doubling its contracts with diverse vendors to an impressive $8.4 million. Building on that success, we have already surpassed this milestone in 2024, further demonstrating our dedication to driving inclusive economic growth.
The road ahead is an exciting journey as Metro continues to fulfill its promise of delivering cutting-edge, reinvented public transit to meet the needs of Hamilton County’s residents, businesses, visitors and employees. At Metro, impact is more than a word — it’s about the people in our community who experience it firsthand. We invite you to explore the stories that showcase why we come together: to build a better, more connected region where everyone can thrive. The road ahead will be an exciting one as Metro continues to deliver on our promise and give residents, businesses, visitors and employees in Hamilton County the cutting-edge, reinvented public transit that they need. We invite you to explore the stories that showcase why we come together: to build a better, more connected region where everyone can thrive. Watch video
