Cincinnati Metro celebrated the grand opening of its new Northside Transit Center, which will provide better connections to jobs and entertainment and includes enhanced customer amenities and a new Park & Ride.
The Northside neighborhood is the second-highest transfer location in Cincinnati Metro’s system, second only to downtown’s Government Square. The new center, located near the intersection of Spring Grove Avenue and Blue Rock Street, will help alleviate traffic and congestion along Hamilton Avenue and will be served by eight routes: 15X, 16, 17, 19, 20, 23X, 27 and 51.
The new transit center offers many amenities, including:
- Eight boarding bays, each with an architecturally designed shelter.
- A sheltered stop on Spring Grove Ave.
- Designated Park & Ride spaces for commuters.
- Wayfinding maps, real-time electronic signs and ticket vending machines.
- Enhanced streetscaping, lighting and shelters.
“The opening of the Northside Transit Center is a big step in making Metro safer and more convenient while contributing to the economic vibrancy of Northside,” said Darryl Haley, Cincinnati Metro CEO and general manager. “This critical connection point in our region is a great addition for the Northside community and the many riders who use our service to travel to and through the area. It’s just one of the many ways we’re working to reinvent Metro with amenities that make using public transportation easier and more attractive.”
During the event, Cincinnati Metro unveiled artwork at the transit center designed by winners of the transit agency’s art contest for Northside residents. The artwork includes Claire Darley’s “Host,” Matthew Grote’s “Home,” Shane Hatfield’s “Bussin’ to N*Side,” Amanda Nurre’s “Great Aunt Pat,” and 11-year old Zosia Vogan’s “Mind of Northside.” The contest was launched to add a special Northside touch to the center’s design. Residents were asked to submit artwork following the theme, “What does Northside mean to me?
Ohio Department of Transportation District Deputy Director Tammy Campbell, President of the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners Denise Driehaus, Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley, Executive Director of OKI Regional Council of Governments Mark Policinski and Northside Business Association President Tim Jeckering also were on hand to celebrate the center’s opening, along with a special performance from the Tracy Walker Band, which was streamed live on Cincinnati Metro’s Facebook page.
Members of the public were invited to walk through the center before bus service begins Oct. 7. Cincinnati Metro will celebrate the transit center’s opening all week long on social media with special promotions and giveaways.
The transit center was designed by MSA Architects and constructed by Graybach. It was created in partnership with the Federal Transit Administration, Ohio Department of Transportation, OKI Regional Council of Governments, city of Cincinnati and the Northside Business Association.
The Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA) secured $3.7 million to fund the project, including 80 percent federal funds as well as local match funding.
