CINCINNATI — Cincinnati Metro received first-place honors in the 2012 AdWheel Awards, presented by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).

Metro received the award for its 2011 Promotional Campaign known as “Money Grab,” which included a contest that asked Cincinnatians what they would do with the money they save by riding Metro. Three contest finalists went into a money machine on the Fountain Square stage for a chance to grab up to $4,500 in cash, provided by Cricket Wireless. The contest was designed to remind commuters how much money they can save by riding Metro instead of driving. No public or Metro funds were used in the contest.

Metro Marketing Director Dave Etienne, a Fort Thomas, Ky. resident, coordinated the campaign and submitted the nomination for marketing and communications efforts for public transportation systems with more than 4 million, but fewer than 20 million passenger trips annually.

One of the winning entries in the “Money Grab” promotion was from a local woman who wanted to use funds saved by riding Metro to help buy personal care items, like soap and detergent, for students in need who often secretly go without. “Once their basic needs are met then they can focus on academics,” she said.

The award was accepted at a special ceremony as part of APTA's Annual Meeting, held on Oct. 1, in Seattle.

Metro is a non-profit, tax-funded public service of the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority, providing about 17 million rides per year.

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