Metro News

Cincinnati— Metro employees gathered Wednesday for the transit agency’s 51st Annual Safety Awards luncheon to celebrate individual and collective safety achievements. A total of 439 operators and 81 mechanics were recognized for their outstanding safety performance, with 69 receiving awards for reaching significant safety milestones in 2023. 

“The safety of our community and team members will always be our top priority,” said Darryl Haley, Metro’s CEO and General Manager. “Those recognized today are truly leaders and play a significant role in getting people to their jobs, schools, medical appointments, and wherever they need to go safely.”  

Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey delivered the keynote presentation at the event and emphasized the importance of safety as a public servant. “Metro employees are unsung heroes in our county,” said Hamilton County Sheriff, Charmaine McGuffey. “They work tirelessly, ensuring that millions reach their destinations safely and on time. Without them, this city and region shuts down.” 

Overall, 69 operators and mechanics achieved outstanding safety milestones, highlighted by: 

• 15 team members achieving 10 years without a preventable collision.  
• 12 team members achieving 10 consecutive years without a preventable accident or injury. 
• 14 team members achieving 15 or more years free of accidents or injuries. 
• 8 team members achieving 20 or more years free if accidents or injuries. 
• 4 team members achieving 25 years free of accidents or injuries. 

In 2023, as an organization, curbside mirror strikes were down 12.5%, sideswipe collisions were down 12.5%, and passenger injuries were down by 10.5%. Year-to-date, for 2024, preventable accidents are down 15%.  

Compared to peer regions with a similar transit system or population, Metro ranked at the top of several key safety measurements. For 2023, Metro ranked #1 in miles operated between collisions (398,519) and injuries (358,667). Metro also ranked #1 in a tie with two other agencies with 0 pedestrian accidents. 

You can learn more about Metro’s commitment to safety at https://www.go-metro.com/how-to-ride/howtoride/safety-security.