SORTA Cincinnati Metro Map

Description:
This map shows park & ride, transit center, hospital, school, airport, Metro Bus Lines: 15 minutes or better, 20-35 minutes, 40-55 minutes, 60+ minutes, rush hour/commuter route, rush hour/express route, cincinnati public school branch, Route Information: line branches, line does not serve stops, line operates in one direction only, line ends, CTC Bus Lines: regular service, rush hour/select trips only, TANK Bus Lines: regular service, rush hour/select trips only, southbank shuttle, BCRTA Bus Lines: regular service, rush hour/select trips only.

About SORTA Cincinnati

The Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA) is the public transit agency serving Cincinnati, Ohio, and surrounding areas in Hamilton County. Operating under the brand name Metro, it provides bus service throughout the metropolitan region.

SORTA was established in 1973 when voters approved the creation of a regional transit authority to replace the privately owned Cincinnati Transit Company. The authority began operations on September 1, 1973, taking over the existing bus routes and infrastructure. It operates as a political subdivision of the State of Ohio under Chapter 306 of the Ohio Revised Code.

The agency provides fixed-route bus service with approximately 40 routes covering Cincinnati and neighboring communities. Service operates seven days a week, with most routes running from early morning until late evening on weekdays. Weekend and holiday schedules typically offer reduced frequency. Metro also operates Access, a complementary paratransit service for individuals with disabilities who cannot use fixed-route buses.

SORTA's service area covers approximately 1,000 square miles in southwestern Ohio, including the City of Cincinnati and portions of Hamilton County.

The agency's headquarters and primary maintenance facility are located at 120 East 5th Street in downtown Cincinnati. Metro operates a fleet of diesel and hybrid-electric buses. The system includes several transit centers that serve as major transfer points, including Government Square in downtown Cincinnati, which functions as the central hub for the network. Other important transfer locations include Glenway Crossing, Uptown Transit District near the University of Cincinnati, and Northgate Mall.

Funding comes from multiple sources including passenger fares, a countywide sales tax approved by voters, federal grants, and advertising revenue. The agency has faced financial challenges at various points in its history, leading to service reductions and fare increases during periods of budget shortfalls.