Rider Guide
**Notice: New Fares Take Effect July 16, 2025 | New children ride free policy, modest fare increase, and Tap&Save program among changes. Learn more.
Page Content
Plan
To find the best route, use these simple tools:
- Download Transit app to plan your trip and pay your fare on your smartphone with EZfare. Track your bus and see real-time arrivals with Transit app.
- Subscribe to free Cincy EZAlerts via text message or email for the routes you ride.
- Check out all of Metro’s maps and schedules. You can also search by popular destinations and communities served.
- Use Google Transit trip planner for detailed trip info from your doorstep to your destination.
- Head to your nearest bus stop or one of Metro’s 21 park and ride locations to start your trip.
Pay
It’s never been easier to pay your fare on Metro! Whether it’s through the Transit app, with a fare card or cash, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how:
- As the bus approaches, signal to the operator that you want to ride by waving your hand.
- As your bus pulls up to the stop, stay a safe distance from the curb and make sure you have your fare in hand.
- As you board the bus, use the reader device to scan your app code, swipe or drop your fare in the farebox, or swipe your single-ride pass, day-pass, monthly pass or stored-value pass.
- Find a seat and enjoy the ride!
Ride
Now it’s time to relax and leave the driving to us! Catch up on emails, whip out a book or tune into your favorite podcast. Follow these steps as you approach your destination:
- Track your bus in real time by using the Transit app.
- As your bus nears your stop, firmly pull the cord located above you along the sides of the bus to indicate to the driver that you wish to depart.
- Wait for the bus to reach a full stop and exit the bus from either the front or rear door.
- Thanks for riding!
Join the thousands of people who ride Metro every day to save money, reduce stress, and protect the environment. Catch up on emails, whip out a book or tune into your favorite podcast while we do the driving.
Need assistance?
During business hours:
- call Metro’s information line 513-621-4455
- email Customer Service, or
- visit Metro’s sales office downtown at 115 East Fifth Street.
This policy will be periodically reviewed and updated as necessary to ensure alignment with Metro’s objectives, industry standards, and regulatory requirements.
Learn More About How To Ride
Plan with Transit App
Transit app makes your trip planning simple! Watch the video below to learn more.
Free Wi-Fi
All Metro vehicles are equipped with complementary Wi-Fi to keep you connected on the go!
Customers are able to check email, use social media, surf the internet and stream audio on sites such as Pandora, Spotify and Apple Music on tablets, laptops and smartphones during their ride. Data intensive video streaming will not be available.
Onboard Wi-Fi will also provide an extra level of security for riders, as first responders can now access live video remotely in the event of an emergency. The program is partially funded by an FTA grant for security-related projects.
How to Connect
1. Make sure your device is wirelessly enabled.
2. Search for available wireless networks.
3. Select goMetrowifi
4. Click “I Agree” with Metro’s Acceptable Use policy.
5. Check emails, use social media, catch up on work or surf the web.
6. Due to bandwidth limitations, streaming video is not allowed.
Additional Information
Lost & Found
Metro keeps items found and turned in for two weeks. To claim your lost item, you will need to know the route you were riding and the date the item was lost.
Contact customerservice@go-metro.com or call 513-632-7699, weekdays 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Metro is not responsible for items left on the bus.
Pay-As-You-Go Routes
Fares are paid when exiting the bus on the following routes (outbound P.M. trips only):
3X – Montgomery Express
23X – Tri-County Express
29X – Milford Express
30 – Beechmont Commuter Service
52X – Harrison Express
71X – Kings Island Express
74X – Northgate Express
75X – Anderson Express
81 – Mt. Washington Commuter Service
82X – Eastgate Express
How To Read A Schedule Map
Watch the video below to learn how easy it is to plan your trip and read a Metro schedule & map
Holiday Schedule
Metro operates on a holiday (either Saturday or Sunday) schedules on the following days:
Metro operates on a variety of schedules on and around the holidays. Here is a breakdown for 2023:
New Year’s Day – Saturday Service
Day after New Years Day – Weekday Service
MLK Day – Weekday Service
President’s Day – Weekday Service
Easter – Sunday Service
Memorial Day – Saturday Service
Juneteenth – Weekday Service
Independence Day – Saturday Service
Labor Day – Saturday Service
Thanksgiving – Sunday Service
Christmas Eve – Sunday Service
Christmas Day – Sunday Service
New Years Eve – Sunday Service
New Years Day – Saturday Service
Government Square
Located on Fifth Street between Walnut and Main streets, Government Square serves as Metro’s Downtown transit hub.
Government Square features
- Real-time information screens
- Ticket vending machine for purchasing passes
- Large, attractive shelters
- Easier transfers between routes
- Accessibility for people with disabilities
- State-of-the-art security camera system
- Safe maneuvering space for loading and unloading bikes on Metro buses
- For historical information, check out the six panels on the square created by Cincinnati historian Dan Hurley.
Regional Mobility Guide
The Greater Cincinnati Region Mobility Guide is a comprehensive mobility resource for individuals living in the Greater Cincinnati area. It provides information on various transportation options and their areas of operation. This guide also includes information on how to use public transit, navigate some of the larger complexes in the region, and understand your rights when using certain services.
Minimum Rider Age Policy
Minimum Age Requirements for Riding Metro
Effective: May 10, 2024
Overview
As part of ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and security of all passengers, Metro has established a minimum age requirement policy for fixed-route and MetroNow! services.
Minimum Age Requirement:
The minimum age requirement to ride the bus unaccompanied by a guardian or adult is twelve (12) years old. Passengers under the age of twelve (12) must be accompanied by a guardian or adult aged eighteen (18) or older.
This policy is implemented to:
- Ensure the safety and security of minors utilizing our bus services.
- Minimize potential risks associated with unaccompanied minors during transit.
- Align with established standards of peer transit systems.
Policy Enforcement:
Failure to comply with this minimum age requirement policy may result in the bus operator or Metro’s staff denying service as deemed necessary.
Policy Review:
This policy will be periodically reviewed and updated as necessary to ensure alignment with Metro’s objectives, industry standards, and regulatory requirements.