MetroRapid is Cincinnati’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) enhanced transportation service that operates on bus lanes or other transitways. It combines the fast and efficient characteristics of rail transit with the flexibility of traditional bus service.

Some the key features of a BRT system include:

• Dedicated bus lanes or busways (where possible) to avoid mixed traffic congestion.
• Same-level boarding platforms for easy and quick passenger loading, no stairs, lifts or ramps needed.
• Off-board fare collection to speed up boarding.
• Frequent and reliable service, often with buses arriving every few minutes.
• Traffic signal priority to minimize delays at intersections.
• Stations are spaced further apart than traditional bus stops to improve speed and efficiency.

More than 40 cities in the US have BRT systems in operation, including nearby Columbus, Indianapolis, and Cleveland.

At the conclusion of the 2022 BRT study, Hamilton Avenue and Reading Road clearly stood out as Metro’s best opportunity to successfully launch BRT and build a strong foundation for additional BRT routes in the future. Once these are successful, Metro will work toward adding more BRT service routes.

Yes! Public input was a critical element in the original study and will continue to play an integral role as MetroRapid service comes to life. So far, your input helped us choose the name – MetroRapid – and we’ll continue to seek your input to help finalize things like station and bus features, the look of the service, and more.

The MetroRapid Design team is working hard to minimize any effects construction and operations might have on parking. Potential options include replacing parking spaces in kind and working to limit BRT parking so spaces are left open for other needs. We’ve assembled a MetroRapid Stakeholder Advisory Group of representatives from each of the communities touched by MetroRapid. We also want to hear from you! Watch for the Metro team in your community as the project develops and tell us your thoughts.

Final design for Reading Road is expected to be complete in late 2026, with construction beginning soon after. Hamilton Avenue final design is slated for early 2027, with construction beginning soon after.

The Reading Road service is expected to begin in early 2028, and the Hamilton Avenue service later that year.

BRT vehicles are comfortable and provide reliable service. You’ll get to work or other destinations more quickly, because the vehicle can take advantage of BRT-designated lanes and smart signals to reduce stops.

BRT vehicles will offer same-level boarding, with no need to step up or down or use lifts, making access easier for all. On-board bike storage is available inside the vehicle.

Metro is evaluating fare cost.

Fares will be purchased at the bus stations, before boarding. This will allow for quicker on and off movement for riders and cut down on overall travel time.

The station design will emphasize safety and comfort. You’ll find enhanced lighting, comfortable seating and Wi-Fi. BRT station design is being evaluated and there will be opportunity for you to provide input at public meetings and via surveys.