Summary
Cincinnati's first BRT lines on the Reading and Hamilton corridors are on track for 2027 construction and 2028 launch, with 10-minute frequency (5 minutes downtown-to-UC), 60-foot buses, and tap-to-pay fare. Design changes since 30% design include consolidating BRT with the streetcar downtown and dropping bus lanes on Vine Street Hill.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 5
- Last 30 days
- 1
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 27, 2026.
Impact analysis
The project represents roughly $300 million-plus in investment, largely funded through a federal FTA grant agreement expected in 2026.
Riders, commuters, UC students, and neighborhoods along the Reading and Hamilton corridors get faster, more frequent, more accessible transit — plus safer pedestrian crossings and repaved roads.
Businesses and drivers along the corridors will face construction disruption starting in 2027, and some parking and lane configurations will change.
Mentions & discussions (6)
Climate, City Services & Infrastructure — October 27, 2026
Cincinnati's first BRT lines on the Reading and Hamilton corridors are on track for 2027 construction and 2028 launch, with 10-minute frequency (5 minutes downtown-to-UC), 60-foot buses, and tap-to-pay fare. Design changes since 30% design include consolidating BRT with the streetcar downtown and dropping bus lanes on Vine Street Hill.
Budget, Finance & Governance Committee — September 14, 2026
The city is applying for a $1.825 million federal grant to plan transit-oriented development along the planned Reading Road Bus Rapid Transit corridor.
Climate, City Services & Infrastructure — May 12, 2026
Metro officials updated the committee on county-wide transit growth, new on-demand 'Metro Now' zones, bus rapid transit (BRT) corridor designs, and bus stop shelter improvements. Ridership continues to climb post-pandemic, supported by increased east-west crosstown connectivity.
Passenger rail service linking Cincinnati to Ohio's other major cities gains momentum
Passenger rail service linking Cincinnati to Ohio's other major cities gains momentum WSYX
Cincinnati City Council — April 1, 2026
Council members initiated a 60-day report to identify vacant public land along planned Bus Rapid Transit routes on Reading Road and Hamilton Avenue to encourage housing and job growth.
Housing & Growth — March 31, 2026
Council is pushing the city to identify public land and housing opportunities along upcoming bus rapid transit lines on Reading Road and Hamilton Avenue.
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