Metro
Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA) is a tax-supported, independent political subdivision of the State of Ohio. SORTA operates Metro fixed-route bus service and Access paratransit service for people whose disabilities prevent their riding Metro buses.
SORTA is governed by a nine-member volunteer citizen's board of trustees appointed by the Hamilton County Commissioners. Four members of the SORTA board are recommended by Cincinnati City Council. The relationship between SORTA and the City of Cincinnati is established by the City/SORTA Agreement of 1973.
SORTA receives funding from several sources. Below is a profile of the 2004 operating budget:
Federal* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $11.2 million
State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1.1 million
Local** . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .$37.3 million
Local operating*** . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$22.1 million
Other local (contract service) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ 1.7 million
Deferral of capital projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ 1 million
GRAND TOTAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .$73.5 million
* Federal operating assistance was eliminated in 1999. Metro can now use formula funds to support their preventative maintenance expenses.
** Local funding is provided by a dedicated 0.3% of the City earnings tax. The earnings tax is paid by everyone who works in the City, regardless of where they live.
*** Local operating includes fares, Cincinnati Public Schools contract, and misc. income.
Metro Background:
- Metro has about 953 employees, most of which are bus drivers and mechanics.
- Metro operates 430 Metro buses (274 Queensgate and 156 Bond Hill) on 51 routes about 13 million miles per year. Metro also owns 53 Access paratransit vehicles.
- Metro provides about 23 million passenger trips per year.
- Metro also provides about 9,000 rides per day to Cincinnati Public School and parochial school junior and senior high school students on school days.
- About 90% of Metro's trips are related to economic development -- including work trips and shopping.
Park and Ride lots offer free and convenient parking for carpoolers, vanpoolers and bus riders. Click here to see a list of Park and Ride Lots served by Metro.