Metro News

After a multi-year process of community input on corridor locations, station design, and infrastructure, Cincinnati Metro is proud to introduce the name and brand identity of its highly anticipated Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system: Metro Rapid.

Chosen by input from the community and Metro’s Strategic Transit Engagement to Expand Ridership(STEER) customer advisory committee, the name Metro Rapid reflects a vision for an efficient, innovative and transformative transit system that will enhance mobility throughout the region. As Metro’s eyes and ears in the community, the STEER committee played a crucial role in ensuring the name resonates and accurately represents BRT service’s impact and purpose.

“Community engagement has been at the heart of this project from the start,” said Brandy Jones, Metro’s Chief Communications and Marketing Officer. “From identifying the Hamilton Avenue and Reading Road corridors in 2023 to selecting station designs in 2024, and now naming the system, we have made public input a priority at every stage.”

Throughout February, Metro will showcase a demo articulated BRT bus featuring its new branding and provide opportunities for the public to learn more about the project and provide feedback on the following dates and locations:

Fountain Square
February 13, 2025, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm | 520 Vine Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

Avondale Town Center
February 24, 2025, 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm | 3529 Reading Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229

Heart of Northside
February 25, 2025, 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm | 4222 Hamilton Ave, Cincinnati, Ohio 45223

Cincinnati & Hamilton County Downtown Library – Public Open Houses
February 26, 2025, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm & 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
800 Vine Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

MittenFest at Washington Park
March 1 & 2, 2025, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
1230 Elm Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

For details on these events and any future opportunities to participate, visit metrobrtproject.com/participate.

Additionally, Metro will also conduct extensive real-world testing on a range of BRT bus models, including both electric and diesel-powered vehicles. These tests will assess the buses’ performance and reliability in Cincinnati’s climate and terrain, ensuring the best possible service for future riders.

About Bus Rapid Transit
Set to launch in late 2027 on Reading Rd. & 2028 on Hamilton Ave., BRT is a high-quality, bus-based travel option that combines the speed, efficiency, and comfort of rail transit with the flexibility of traditional bus service. It’s a bold, new transit innovation for our region that will bring faster-than-ever service and significantly reduced travel times for riders. BRT systems can also encourage economic growth and community enhancements along its corridors and around BRT stations.

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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 50 years of fixed-route, paratransit, and on-demand service to Hamilton County.