Metro Transit Infrastructure Funds

Metro Transit Infrastructure Fund

In May 2020, the residents of Hamilton County voted to replace Cincinnati Metro’s existing funding model, which relied primarily on the city’s earnings tax, with a new funding structure. Effective January 2021, a 0.8% sales tax will fund SORTA for the next 25 years. 75% of the sales tax levy (or 0.6%) funds Metro’s bus service operations and capital costs. The remaining 25% (0.2%) funds infrastructure improvements such as road, bridge and sidewalk improvements that fall within Metro’s service area and benefit bus service.
FY26 Applications (Coming Soon)
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HOW IT WORKS

The Metro Transit Infrastructure Fund program was established to manage the portion of the sales tax levy (the 0.2%) allocated to roadway infrastructure.

  • The goal of the program is to assist localities within Hamilton County in improving the state of their roadway infrastructure.
  • Improve overall mobility for Hamilton County residents by providing grant funds to roads that are within Metro’s service area.

Impact to Date

Dollars in Funding
$ 0 M
Total Projects
0

Application Guidelines

Applications for the fifth cycle of the Metro Transit Infrastructure Fund (MTIF) will open on March 1 and close May 30, 2026. These grants aim to support various transit-related improvements, including road, bridge, and sidewalk enhancements within ¾ mile of Metro’s service area in Hamilton County.

Hamilton County and all municipalities and townships in Hamilton County are eligible to apply for grants. Details for the 2026 application process will be coming soon.

Eligible Projects

Infrastructure projects eligible for consideration must be within ¾ mile of a Metro fixed transit route – excluding stretches on limited access highways, classified as Class 1, such as I-275, I-75, I-74 and I-71.

Project Approval

The Transit Infrastructure Fund program is being administered by SORTA staff. Transit Infrastructure Fund applications will be scored by an evaluation committee designated by SORTA. Final approval of selected projects will be granted by the OPWC District 2 Integrating Committee.

Round 5 Applications Open In:

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Applications for the fifth cycle of the Metro Transit Infrastructure Fund (MTIF) will open on March 1 and close May 30, 2026.

Any questions regarding the Transit Infrastructure Fund may be directed to Khaled Shammout, Deputy Innovation and Vision Officer, at kshammout@go-metro.com or by phone at 513-632-7671.

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