NO METRO “RIVERFEST EXPRESS” SERVICE THIS YEAR



		RIDING INFORMATION: (513) 621-4455		CONTACT US

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 12, 2009

CINCINNATI –This year, Metro will not operate Riverfest Express service. In the past, Metro had operated direct Riverfest service from three park & ride locations.

Regular Metro Sunday service will operate to and from downtown, serving many communities. Customers may choose to ride regular Metro service to downtown and walk to the riverfront or transfer to Metro Rt. 1, which serves Sawyer Point.

The decision not to offer the Riverfest Express service was made due to a budget shortfall this year and a shortfall of up to $14 million in 2010. Riverfest Express service cost much more to operate than what Metro collected in fares.

Metro’s budget issues are directly related to the economic downturn. The following factors are converging on Metro’s 2009 budget:

Metro’s share of the city earnings tax is anticipated to be significantly less than the city originally projected. Almost half of Metro’s operating funds come from the earnings tax.
Fare revenue is down dramatically due to the recession. With unemployment up, ridership is down and fare revenue is projected to be significantly lower than budget.
Hamilton County can’t afford to help with Access non-ADA funding, which means less money to fund Access service for people with disabilities that goes beyond what the Americans with Disabilities Act requires.
State funding for elderly & disabled fare subsidy is down $137,000.

Transit systems across the nation are facing the same challenges Metro is facing, and most are reducing service and increasing fares.

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

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