Metro News

A comprehensive study evaluating the potential relocation of Government Square has determined that its current location remains the best option for Metro’s main transit hub. The study, conducted by Benesch analyzed existing transit conditions, service impacts of relocating on Metro’s operations and ridership, and alternative locations within Cincinnati’s central business district.

Government Square, Metro’s largest transit hub, serves approximately 7,500 passengers daily, accounting for half of all boardings and alightings in downtown. The study assessed the feasibility of relocating operations to the Riverfront Transit Center (RTC) and other downtown locations.

Key findings:

• Relocation would negatively impact ridership, accessibility and system operations.
• Moving operations to the RTC would increase travel times by 10-13 minutes per trip.
• Maintaining service levels at the RTC would require 315,800 additional service hours and 80 more buses by 2030, adding $55 million annually in operation costs, plus up to $96 million in new vehicles expenses.

The study also examined safety data, traffic patterns and accident hotspots downtown. Findings showed that crime within a half-mile of Government Square is low compared to the hotspots at Vine Street, Central Parkway and The Banks. Additionally, accident data over five years identified the entrance and exit of the RTC as the two highest accident locations in downtown, and would pose significant challenges to service reliability.

Based on these findings, Metro remains committed to optimizing transit services while ensuring safety, efficiency and fiscal responsibility for its riders.

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Established in 1973 as a tax-funded, not-for-profit transportation provider by the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority, Metro is proud to celebrate 51 years of fixed-route, paratransit, and on-demand service to Hamilton County.