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    1. Alt. Mobility
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    Cincinnati Metro developing new, on-demand service to provide transit connections to underserved communities

    Feb. 18, 2022
    The goal is to provide connectivity and access to public transportation where Cincinnati Metro’s fixed-route service is limited or not feasible due to population density or vehicle size limitations.
    Related To: Cincinnati Metro
    Via Transportation, Inc
    Rapid On Demand Photos 2 Of 18 6215402407a3b

    Cincinnati Metro is developing a new, on-demand service to provide transit access to areas of the community that are currently underserved by public transportation.  

    As part of that process, Cincinnati Metro is seeking input from the public. 

    Mobility On-Demand will extend Cincinnati Metro’s existing network of fixed bus routes and predetermined destinations by providing a more nimble, flexible option that aims to cater more closely to customers’ individual needs. The goal is to provide connectivity and access to public transportation where Cincinnati Metro’s fixed-route service is limited or not feasible due to population density or vehicle size limitations. 

    “As we continue to extend access to transit throughout Southwest Ohio, on-demand service is consistently an amenity that riders request,” said CEO and General Manager Darryl Haley. “Mobility On-Demand will be the latest way we are reinventing how public transportation serves our community.” 

    How it will work 

    Cincinnati Metro is exploring three potential models for this new service: 

    • Flex route: The transit vehicle maintains a schedule along with a series of defined bus stops and serves off-route locations within the zone upon advance request. 
    • Point-to-point: Similar to rideshare services like Uber or Lyft, the transit vehicle provides curb-to-curb service for pick-up and drop-off locations within the defined zone through advance request via phone call or mobile app. 
    • First/Last-mile Connector: Provides connections to/from the existing fixed-route network with point-to-point service within a zone connecting at a hub or transit center. 

    Cincinnati Metro says it is working to identify up to six preliminary zones throughout Hamilton County in which to pilot Mobility On-Demand service. In fall 2021, it conducted an online survey where respondents could indicate where they would benefit from on-demand transit service in order to identify the zones.  

    Through an upcoming series of public meetings scheduled for later this month, planners will further refine those zones and select which model is best suited for that area’s needs.