Metro News

Metro Launches Holiday Season Featuring Free Rides on the “Merry, Merry, Metro Bus” and Appearances by Santa Operator 

December 5, 2025
Holiday schedule on Christmas and New Years day

Metro is spreading holiday cheer across Hamilton County with a full season of community events, free rides on selected buses, social media giveaways, and special appearances from Metro’s very own Santa, a 13-year Metro bus operator.  

Merry, Merry, Metro Bus Returns with Free Rides  
A Cincinnati favorite is ready to roll back into town. The “Merry, Merry, Metro Bus” is back! From Saturday, Dec. 13, through Sunday, Dec. 28, two festively decorated buses will run on Metro’s fixed routes. When a Merry, Merry, Metro bus pulls up to your stop, your ride is free. They’re easy to spot, just find the wreath on the front of the bus. 

‘Stuff the Bus’ with Radio One 
Metro is partnering up with Radio One to collect new toys for the Cincinnati Recreation Commission. Join Metro’s own Santa to stuff a Metro bus with new, unwrapped toys at each Stuff the Bus event at the dates and times below.

  • Saturday, Dec. 6: Evendale Walmart 2801 Cuningham Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45241 (12 p.m. – 3 p.m.) 
  • Saturday, Dec. 13: West Chester Walmart, 8288 Cincinnati Dayton Rd. West Chester Township (12 p.m. – 3 p.m.) 

Donations can also be dropped off at Radio One between Nov. 24 and Dec. 12 at 705 Central Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45202. 

Santa on the Square 
Metro’s Santa is coming back to Government Square on Tuesday, Dec. 16, from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. and 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Stop by to say hello and pick up a holiday treat while supplies last.  

Big Metro Holiday Giveaway 
This holiday season, Metro is spreading cheer with contests and special giveaways the week of Dec. 15 to show appreciation for its riders and social media followers. 

Follow Metro’s social media account for contest details. 

Holiday Schedules 
Metro will operate the following service during the holidays: 

  • Christmas Eve (12/24): Weekday Service 
  • Christmas Day (12/25): Sunday Service 
  • New Years Eve (12/31): Weekday Service 
  • New Years Day (1/1): Saturday Service 

Download Transit App 
Plan. Pay. Track. Download the Transit app to plan your trip, pay your fare, and track your bus in real time right from your smartphone. You can also enable Transit app alerts for detours and service updates customized to the routes you ride. For on-demand trips, download the MetroNow! app. For full schedule and fare details, visit go-metro.com