Metro News

Cincinnati – Cincinnati’s transit providers and BLINK organizers urged the community, “Don’t BLINK and drive,” and the message was heard loud and clear. Over the four-day festival, October 17-20, Metro’s expanding and thriving transit system provided more than 185,000 rides through its fixed-route and Access services and park-and-ride locations at Cincinnati State and Crossroads.

Festival attendance bolstered daily Metro ridership, with an 81% increase during BLINK evenings when Metro offered free rides compared to 2024 averages. Additionally, park-and-ride shuttles saw a significant increase in ridership compared to BLINK 2022.

BLINK 2024 Ridership Summary

Shuttles – 22,000

Fixed-Route – 163,000

Total – 185,000

Overall Increase from 2022 – 20%

“BLINK offered us an incredible opportunity to introduce new riders to our service and remind current riders of just how convenient it is to utilize Metro daily for all their transportation needs,” said Darryl Haley, CEO and General Manager of Metro. “Our new service improvements, including 24-hour routes, expanded weekend service, and improved amenities, make enjoying BLINK and all the region has to offer easier than ever.”

Metro is currently conducting a survey for its park-and-ride service to BLINK from Cincinnati State and Crossroads. The survey, which can be taken at this link, is intended to help improve the rider experience for future events.