MetroNow! – Imagine the convenience of Uber or Lyft but with the affordability of public transit!
Metro Now is a new on-demand, curb-to-curb, or corner-to-corner public transit option (similar to Uber or Lyft) for just $2.50 per rider per trip (up to two children under 55 inches can ride for free with each paying adult). Up to eight riders can travel in a single vehicle, and payment options include credit cards and cash.
Riders can use the METRO app or call 513-551-5555 to schedule a ride and wait for pick-up. For now, this service is only available in Springdale/Sharonville | Northgate/Mt. Healthy | Forest Park/Pleasant Run | Blue Ash/Montgomery.
Hours of operation are as follows:
- Weekdays: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Weekends and Holidays: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MetroNow!?
MetroNow! is Metro’s newest service, introduced as part of the Reinventing Metro initiative. Often referred to as mobility on demand, it utilizes smaller vehicles to provide service in communities and neighborhoods that lack the population density and/or street infrastructure to support regular 40-foot fixed-route Metro buses.
How does MetroNow! work?
MetroNow! rides can be booked through the MetroNow! On-Demand mobile app or by phone. Riders can request “Less Walking,” which provides curb-to-curb service, or “Less Waiting,” which offers corner-to-corner service, depending on their needs.
Note: “Less Waiting” or corner-to-corner service is the faster option if a rider is willing or able to walk a block or two to a designated pick-up point. If a rider has difficulty walking or uses a mobility aid, such as a wheelchair, please select “Less Walking” for curb-to-curb service.
What’s the difference between the “Less Walking” and “Less Waiting” travel preferences?
The “Less Waiting” option provides corner-to-corner service, meaning that the vehicle will pick riders up at a nearby stop within a short walking distance from their current location and drop them off within walking distance of a destination. This is typically the fastest travel option.
The “Less Walking” option provides curb-to-curb service, meaning the vehicle will pick up a rider directly at their current location and take them directly to their destination. The curb-to-curb proposal will likely have a higher estimated time of arrival (ETA) than the corner-to-corner option.
How to make a selection:
- Input pick-up and drop-off locations.
- After selecting the pick-up and drop-off points, riders will be prompted to choose a travel preference between “Less Walking” and “Less Waiting.” This option will appear each time a trip is booked.
- If a rider prefers a curb-to-curb trip or has mobility limitations, select “Less Walking.”
- If a rider prefers a quicker pick-up and doesn’t mind walking to a nearby corner, select “Less Waiting.”
Can riders use MetroNow! to go anywhere?
MetroNow! is designed to provide coverage within a couple of miles inside specific communities (called zones.) These zones were selected based on travel needs and/or distances from regular Metro fixed routes. Users can ride MetroNow! anywhere within these communities or to connect with Metro fixed route service.
MetroNow! is currently in the following zones:
- Northgate/Mt. Healthy
- Springdale/Sharonville
- Forest Park/Pleasant Run
- Blue Ash/Montgomery
Once completely rolled out, MetroNow! will serve the following additional Hamilton County communities:
- Monfort Heights/Finneytown
- Bond Hill/Roselawn
Will MetroNow! come to all communities?
The first six zones were chosen based on various factors, including community input and data analysis. More zones will be introduced in future phases.
How do riders book a trip?
Users can easily book a ride using the MetroNow! On Demand app, available as a free download on any Apple or Android device. Riders will need location services activated on their phone for the app to know their location. Riders may also access the Via app through the Transit app.
Riders must create a new account within the Via app to book a trip. They can book a trip by phone by calling 513-551-5555.
How do riders set up an account in the app?
Steps to setup the Metro Now! On Demand app:
- Search for and download the MetroNow! On Demand app in Google Play or the App Store, depending on device type.
- Click “Get Started.”
- Follow the prompts to add a mobile phone number, and a code will be sent to the phone.
- Enter the code.
- Add an origin location address or move the pin to that location.
- Click “Confirm.”
- Add the destination address or move the pin to that location.
- Click “Set Destination.” If a location outside the zone is selected, riders will receive a message that says, “This address is out of the zone.”
- Complete the Travel Reason – select Less Walking for curb-to-curb service or Less Waiting for point-to-point service.
- Add any additional passengers if needed.
- Choose a payment option.
What’s the difference between curb-to-curb and corner-to-corner service?
Corner-to-corner service means that the vehicle will pick riders up at a nearby point from their current location. The vehicle will drop riders off within walking distance of their destination. This will usually be the fastest travel option.
Curb-to-curb service means the vehicle will pick riders up at their current location and take them to their destination. The curb-to-curb option usually has a higher estimated arrival time than the corner-to-corner option. At any time, riders can toggle off curb-to-curb in their account details.
Related Article: Cincinnati METRO fare changes went into effect April 4, 2021
Other Questions
How is this different from the existing Metro bus service?
Currently, Metro provides two types of bus service:
- Fixed routes with predetermined stops and destinations
- On-demand, shared-ride paratransit service (Access) for people with disabilities that prevent them from using Metro fixed-route service.
With MetroNow!, Metro aims to offer an additional on-demand option that is more flexible and aims to cater to customers’ individual needs.
What are the hours for MetroNow!?
MetroNow! opperates according to the following schedule:
Weekdays: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Weekends: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Does MetroNow! operate on holidays?
MetroNow! operates weekend service in observance of the following holidays:
New Year’s Day
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
If riders transfer from MetroNow! to a regular Metro route, do they have to pay the $2.50 fare?
Yes, because it is a specialized, on-demand service, all MetroNow! riders must pay the additional fare. Metro fixed-route passes will not be accepted as MetroNow! fare.
Does the app recognize Spanish?
The app is available in both English and Spanish.
Can riders book trips without a smartphone?
Yes, riders can book trips by phone at 513-551-5555.
How many passengers do MetroNow! vehicles hold?
Each MetroNow! vehicle has seating for eight seated passengers, with two spaces available for customers who use mobility aids.
What is the fare?
MetroNow! is $2.50 each way for each passenger.
Is there a children’s fare?
Children under 55 inches in height will ride free with a paying adult, with a limit of two children per fare-paying adult. Children over 55 inches tall will pay full fare.
If I riders see a MetroNow! vehicle sitting outside, can they just board it like a Metro bus?
No. While MetroNow! is completely open to the public, they must schedule a trip beforehand. Trips can be scheduled via the MetroNow app, or by calling 513-551-5555. If bringing a child or companion, their ride must also be scheduled.
Can riders bring their bike on MetroNow!?
No, the MetroNow! vehicle is considerably smaller than a full-size bus, and there is no way to safely add a bike rack or transport bicycles.
Do I need to bring a child seat for my child?
Metro requires car seats for children based on applicable local laws. Riders are responsible for providing a car seat that meets local requirements, and drivers may refuse rides if a car seat is not provided. Four seats in each vehicle are equipped with child safety seat hooks. Car seats will not be provided and operators may not assist with installation.
Up to two children under 55 inches in height may ride free with each paying adult.
To support this change, each bus will feature a height indicator at the 55-inch mark to help operators and customers easily determine eligibility.
Will MetroNow! vehicles have seat belts for passengers?
Yes, all MetroNow! vehicles will have seat belts for passengers and are required by law to use them.
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If riders go shopping, can they bring packages on MetroNow!?
Yes, riders may bring packages onboard MetroNow! vehicles; however, packages may not take up a seat, and operators are not permitted to assist customers with packages.
Does MetroNow! accept Fare Deal or MVP cards?
At this time, MetroNow! does not accept Fare Deal, MVP or any other Metro discount program cards. This includes transfers and passes from regular Metro fixed-route service.
What should riders do if a driver leaves without them?
In the unlikely event that a MetroNow! driver leaves without picking you up, you may email [email protected] or call 513-632-7575.
Can guests ride in a wheelchair?
Yes, each MetroNow! vehicle has onboard space for two mobility aids (such as wheelchairs or strollers). Let us know you will be traveling with a wheelchair in your account settings.
Can guests leave feedback for my driver?
Guests are encouraged to complete the feedback screen in the app after their ride.
Are riders supposed to tip their drivers?
Drivers do not accept tips.
Will riders be penalized if they schedule a trip and forget to cancel?
Because MetroNow! is a specialized service with limited capacity, not canceling a trip may negatively impact other riders.
How do riders reset their MetroNow! On-Demand app password?
Open the app and select “Get Started.” Select “Forgot your password?” in the password box and follow the prompts.
If riders left something in the vehicle; how do they get it back?
Please email [email protected] with a description of the missing item, and Metro will do their best to return it. Guests may also call the Metro Customer Care Center at 513-632-7575.
How do riders lodge a complaint?
Please email [email protected] or call the Metro Customer Care Center at 513-632-7575.
Why isn’t my community getting this service?
These first six communities were chosen after considerable outreach and data analysis throughout our service area. For example, Springdale/Sharonville was chosen to provide better access to the many health care facilities located in this zone. Northgate/Mt. Healthy was chosen to connect residents with the many job opportunities there. These first six zones represent the first phase of service; more zones may be added in the future.
Information and images provided by Go Metro
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