Frequently Asked Questions about the UC*Metro Program
The UC*Metro program has been very successful in its first year, and changes are now being made to fine-tune this new program.
Starting with the 2008 Fall Quarter, current UC students, faculty and staff must obtain a free UC*Metro fare card each quarter to continue to ride Metro free.
Here are answers to questions about this important change to the program.
Q: How is the UC*Metro program changing?
A: Starting with the 2008 Fall Quarter, current UC students, faculty and staff must have a special UC*Metro quarterly fare card to ride free on Metro. The pass is valid from Sept. 24, 2008 to Jan. 10, 2009. Once you have this fare card, you will no longer need to show your valid UC ID to the bus operator.
You can get your free UC*Metro fare card by visiting the UC Web site http://www.uc.edu/af/facilities/go_METRO.html and following the link to the registration page. Once you register, your UC*Metro fare card will be mailed to you within three business days in a plain white envelope.
Q: How does it work?
A: Beginning Sunday, Oct. 19, 2008, your regular UC ID card will no longer be accepted for free rides on Metro. Until Oct. 19, 2008, you can either use your new UC*Metro fare card or show your photo ID to ride free.
The new UC*Metro fare card is designed to be validated by the reader on the top of the farebox… there’s no need to show your UC ID card if you are using the new UC*Metro fare card. Just swipe the new UC*Metro fare card through the pass reader quickly, the farebox will make sure the pass is valid, and you’re on your way.
Q: Isn’t this a free program?
A: The University and UC Student Government fund the UC*Metro program for UC students, faculty and staff. The new UC*Metro fare cards will provide accurate ridership reports to UC.
Q: Why is the program changing?
A: The current program is a pilot program and we learned a lot the first year. One critical issue is that there have been reports of fraudulent use of ID cards by people who are not currently UC students or active employees. Using new UC*Metro fare cards will eliminate this type of unauthorized use.
Q: Who is eligible for this progam?
A: All current, active UC students, faculty and staff are eligible to receive a UC*Metro quarterly fare card. This does not include contractors, retirees, past students or temporary program attendees.
Q: How will bus drivers know who is an eligible UC rider?
A: All eligible UC students and faculty must have a valid UC*Metro fare card to take part in this program. If the UC card is valid, the farebox will tell the operator to accept it.
Q: Does this program cover travel on any Metro route?
A: Yes. Students, faulty and staff are allowed to use their UC*Metro fare cards to ride any Metro route any time of day on any day of the week, not just to and from UC. The only exception is special services such as Riverfest or Bengals Express.
Q: What if I lose my UC*Metro fare card?
A: Lost fare cards may be replaced by going to the UC Web site and requesting a one-time replacement card for $50. If your pass is lost or stolen, Metro will remove it from the system so it can’t be used by anyone else.
Q: Do I need a transfer?
A: Since all rides are covered, there is no need for a transfer. If you transfer to TANK, you will pay the full TANK fare.
Q: Why isn’t Metro providing free rides to Xavier or Cincinnati State students?
A: Remember, these aren’t free rides. UC and UC Student Government are paying Metro for student, faculty and staff rides. If other colleges or universities want to enter into an agreement with Metro to provide a similar program, we will be happy to work with them.
Q: What about the NKU/TANK program?
A: The NKU/TANK program was tried on a pilot basis and will be discontinued Oct. 19, 2008.
Q: If I have questions, where do I call?
A: You can call 632-7528, weekdays 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. |
