FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 7, 2007

METRO PROVIDES FREE RIDE TICKETS TO AND FROM COOL CENTERS

CINCINNATI - In conjunction with the City of Cincinnati's heat emergency, Metro will offer residents who use the Cincinnati Recreation Commission's cool centers free ride tickets to help offset transportation costs.

Residents who go to the cool centers to escape the heat can ask for a free ride ticket to go home and a second free ride ticket if they need a free ride back to the cool center the next day. Free rides tickets will be distributed as long as the heat emergency is in effect.

"Heat emergencies are serious business. Everyone needs to play it safe and stay cool," Mayor Mark Mallory said. "Metro is partnering with the city to make sure that citizens can get out of the heat and take advantage of the cool centers."

"Bus fare should not be an issue for anyone who needs to go to a cool center." said Metro's General Manager Mike Setzer. "Metro is a community service, and we are here to help in this emergency."

Metro is a non-profit public service of the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority, providing about 22 million rides in Greater Cincinnati.

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