Community partnerships thrive on a shared vision and common goals. Partnering with Metro translates into enhanced access to transportation so the people who live and work in Cincinnati and Hamilton County can move about the region freely, safely and efficiently.
In recent years, Metro has developed partnerships with the City of Cincinnati, local universities and hospitals to help move people who prefer to leave the driving to someone else. These partnerships all have a common thread — free or reduced fares to ride Metro to work, school, health care appointments and more.
“Many companies are recognizing the benefits of investing in public transportation,” said Mark Ventura, senior manager of transit sales and ridership development at Metro. “These benefits include access to a wider talent pool, reduced employee commuting and parking costs, and increased productivity — in addition to a lower carbon footprint for the organization.”
As more members of Gen Z enter the workforce, companies accessible by public transportation are more appealing to young employees. Members of Gen Z are less likely to drive than those in previous generations for a number of reasons, including the cost of buying and maintaining a car, stress and anxiety related to driving, concerns about the environment and easy access to other modes of transportation.
“We used to think a car meant freedom,” Ventura said. “Today, the balance is shifting. To many, freedom is the ease of mind that comes from letting someone else drive. It’s appealing to relax and unwind while you go from Point A to Point B. And seeing the same faces as you ride to work or school every day builds community.”
University of Cincinnati’s (UC) partnership with Metro highlights the benefits to students and employees alike. The program saw a 160% increase in ridership in 2024 compared to the previous year as both students and employees recognized the impact of cost savings and stress reduction associated with the use of public transit. Metro has recently extended the free bus promotion to students and staff for the 2025 Spring Semester.
Ventura aims to change the definition of freedom in people’s minds as Metro continues to implement innovative strategies to enhance the rider experience. He’s interested in partnering with companies, nonprofits and other employers to explore how public transit can make a real impact for their organizations, employees and customers. In addition to UC, current partners include the City of Cincinnati, Hamilton County Veterans Service Commission, Cincinnati State, Xavier University, TriHealth and Cincinnati Children’s.
Is your organization interested in exploring a partnership program with Metro? Together, we can continue to transform the public transit experience for all. Contact Mark Ventura, Mark.Ventura@go-metro.com, 513.639.4233.
