By Andy Shenk
Earlier this evening, I attended Metro’s public forum on proposed fare changes, effective July 16, 2025.
Here’s the rundown:
1) Local fares will increase to $2.20 per ride or $4.40 for a day pass (up from $2 and $4). All express buses will now cost $3.00 per ride or $6.00 for a day pass (an increase for Hamilton County service, but a decrease for other suburban routes).
2) If you use the Transit App or buy a new reloadable smart card from Metro, you will never pay more than $4.40 per 24-hour period or $88 per 30-day period.
I love this change the most. No more debating whether or not a single-ride or day pass makes the most sense when you buy your ticket on the app. Instead, you just scan your app and Metro will make sure your fares are capped.
3) Riders can take advantage of a new loyalty program through the Transit app.
I love this too. I just activated my loyalty account and already received a free pass. You can earn points by riding, filling out surveys, referring friends and more. Anything to encourage more bus loyalty is great in my book.
4) MetroNow! rides will now cost $2.50 instead of $2.00.
I haven’t used MetroNow! myself, but I would love to see a day pass option for MetroNow! Currently, you pay separately for a MetroNow! fare and a regular Metro bus fare. I think you could offer a combo day pass for $7-8 that would appeal to a lot of riders and save them some money.
Thoughts:
Overall, I think the changes are okay. I don’t like the idea of increasing bus fares, but I do like the incentives that cushion the blow.
At the same time, Metro is making it clear that there will be more (moderate) fare increases in the future. Again, I don’t love that, but if they can continue to improve fare payment options and reward loyal riders, that’s a positive.
In addition to the loyalty program, I would like to see the monthly cost reduced. Under this plan, it’s set to increase from $80 to $88 per month. I think we should further incentivize loyal riders and reduce monthly fares to $75. Metro should be doing everything it can to motivate people to ride as much as possible and discounting monthly passes is one of the best ways to do that.
What I wish had been included:
Most importantly, as I detailed in an earlier blog post, Metro needs to re-evaluate its child fare policy. With kids 3-5 paying half fare and kids 6 and up full fare, Cincinnati charges kids more than almost any other peer city.
Six year olds should not have to pay $2.20 to ride the bus, period. We can do better. I would like to see Metro partner with the local business community to cover lost revenue and make sure kids can get on the bus for free or for much cheaper.
My proposal would be free for kids five and under and half fare for kids 12 and under with the option to receive an even cheaper pass for kids 12 and under enrolled in CPS.
As a parent with small children, there is incredible value to letting your child learn about their city on the bus and I want every family to have that same experience.
Finally, Metro should make it possible to pay by tapping your credit card as soon as possible. From conversations with Metro staff, the agency is moving in that direction, but I would encourage them to not wait any longer. Paying with your credit card would make riding the bus super easy for visitors and casual riders and help boost ridership.