Government Square remains best option for Cincinnati Metro’s main transit hub

Government Square’s current location remains the best option for Cincinnati Metro’s main transit hub, according to a comprehensive study that evaluated the potential relocation of Government Square. The study, conducted by Benesch, analyzed existing transit conditions, service impacts of relocating on Cincinnati Metro’s operations and ridership and alternative locations within the city’s central business district. 

Government Square is the agency’s largest transit hub and serves approximately 7,500 passengers daily, accounting for half of all boardings downtown. The study assessed the feasibility of relocating operations to the Riverfront Transit Center (RTC) and other downtown locations. 

Key findings of the study includes: 

• Relocation would negatively impact ridership, accessibility and system operations. 
• Moving operations to the RTC would increase travel times by 10 to 13 minutes per trip. 
• Maintaining service levels at the RTC would require 315,800 additional service hours and 80 more buses by 2030, adding $55 million annually in operation costs, plus up to $96 million in new vehicles expenses. 

The study also examined safety data, traffic patterns and accident hotspots downtown. According to Cincinnati Metro, findings showed that crime within a half-mile of Government Square is low compared to the hotspots at Vine Street, Central Parkway and The Banks. Additionally, accident data over five years identified the entrance and exit of the RTC as the two highest accident locations downtown and would pose significant challenges to service reliability.