Safety & Security

Safety is #1 at Metro... ride safe!

Whether you're on the bus or in any public place, here are a few precautions to keep safe:
  -- Be aware of your surroundings
  -- Keep valuables out of sight
  -- If you see something, say something - alert the bus operator if you see anything suspicious

Follow these tips to make sure your trip is as safe as possible:

Boarding

• Use a designated bus stop.

  Bus stop locations have been chosen for maximum safety. Operators are not permitted to pick up or drop off passengers outside marked stops.

• Never run for a bus.

  Running for a bus can lead to slips, falls and other accidents. If the operator is already pulling away, please don't chase the bus or pound on the door. It's much safer to wait for the next bus.

• Have your fare ready.

  Having your fare ready helps cut down on delays and keeps the bus and your fellow riders on time.

• Wait your turn.

  Let passengers exit the bus before boarding to minimize crowding. Allow passengers using wheelchairs to board and exit first.

• Hold on.

  Use handrails to steady yourself on the way to your seat.

• Pick your seat.

  Choose your seat quickly and sit down, then avoid changing seats while the bus is in motion.

Riding

• Wear a facial covering to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

  While no longer required by FTA regulations, Metro recommends facial coverings for people ages 2+, in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. However, no ski masks or hoods covering the face are permitted on-board the bus. Coverings for religious/ethnic customs or medical needs are permitted. Watch children. Exceptions: small children or those observing religious or cultural customs.

• Watch children.

  If traveling with children, make sure they stay seated for their safety.

• Stand behind the yellow line.

  Stay seated whenever possible. If the bus is full and you must stand, remain behind the yellow line. It's the law! Operators can't see the mirrors when passengers stand forward of the line. If you must stand, hold onto the handrails at all times.

• Keep aisles clear.

  Keep all personal belongings such as shopping bags or laptop cases out of the aisles. Strollers and grocery carts must be folded.

• Be careful during bad weather.

  Rain and snow call for extra caution. Wet floors can be slippery, so be sure to use the handrails.

A note about talking

Please do not engage the operator in conversation while they are driving. If you must ask a question, do so when the bus is stopped. Talking is a distraction, and your operator needs to focus on the road. Also, please be courteous to other passengers when using a cell phone and be sure to avoid profanity.

Exiting

• Keep your seat until the bus stops!

  Request your stop by ringing the bell about one stop before your own. Remain seated until the bus has come to a complete stop.

• Hold on.

  Again, always use handrails when walking on a bus.

• Watch your steps.

  Use caution when going down steps and when stepping off the bus.

• Don't cross in front of the bus.

  Wait until the bus pulls away before starting to cross the street. Cross only at crosswalks and obey traffic signals.

If you have any questions about riding the bus safely, call 513-621-4455.

A program for our young commuters

To help children who travel alone on our buses, parents may download a "Kids Ride Safe" information with important emergency information and instructions.

The card can be completed by the child's parent and tucked into a backpack or wallet. The cards are available free at the sales office, the Government Square booth, and by mail through the call center.

The card has room to write the child's name, parent/guardian information, school, and important phone numbers. On the back, it instructs the child to tell the bus operator if he or she is lost, missed the stop, is being harassed, or is sick and needs help.
Download here.

Metro safety awards

Each year, more than one hundred Metro operators and mechanics earn safety awards for providing accident-free service. Metro works with its drivers and mechanics throughout the year to ensure the highest level of safety for our passengers. Metro operators undergo regular tranining to improve safety performance, and reinforce driving competencies.

In May 2014, Metro made history as the first mid-size transit system to receive top honors for both safety and security from the American Public Transit Association (APTA). In 2016, Metro received the Gold Award for Excellence in Security.

Metro was also recognized for its Pedestrian Safety Program with a Certificate of Merit from the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) at the 2011 Annual Bus Safety & Security Excellence Awards.

View Metro's Safety Management Policy Statement.

Federal Transit Watch program

Transit Watch is a nationwide safety and security-awareness program designed to encourage the active participation of transit passengers and employees in working together to maintain a safe transit environment.

For more information, be sure to visit the Transit Watch web site.

Security cameras

All Metro buses and Metro's Government Square transit hub downtown are equipped with video surveillance equipment.

Speak up

Witness an incident on a bus? A suspicious package or activity? Alert your driver or call Metro's customer-service line, 513-632-7575 and let us know.

Bus on shoulder

Since 2008, Metro buses have been using the left shoulder on I-71 to beat traffic congestion and provide a faster commute.

• Metro's Rts. 71, 71X and 72 bus may use the left shoulder when traffic is moving at 30 mph or slower
• Buses may only go 15 mph faster than traffic with a maximum speed of 35 mph
• 12-miles of I-71 north and southbound from Kenwood Rd. to Western Row Road (Kings Island)
• Signs are posted to alert motorists to the presence of buses in shoulder lanes
• Offered in partnership with the Ohio Department of Transportation, ARTIMIS and the Federal Highway Administration
  
  

Buses on the shoulder help to:

• Reduce traffic congestion
• Increase ridership by providing a faster commute
• Maximize capacity of highway

Click or tap here to read Metro's Safety Management Policy Statement.