Metro offers free Election Day rides on local bus routes

Hamilton County riders can board any Metro bus for free on Tuesday, Nov. 3, Election Day.

The transit agency announced Oct. 22 that all fixed-route buses, Access paratransit and MetroNow! on-demand service will be fare-free. No pass, no fare card, no cash needed.

"Every voice matters, and transportation should never be a barrier to civic participation," said Brandy Jones, Metro's chief communications and marketing officer.

For Hyde Park, Oakley and Mount Lookout residents, the most useful options are the fixed-route buses already running through the neighborhoods. Route 10 (Erie Avenue) serves Hyde Park Square and connects downtown with Hyde Park and Madisonville seven days a week. Route 11 (Madison Road) serves Oakley Square and the Oakley Transit Center, connecting downtown with Oakley and Madisonville. Route 24 (MLK–Beechmont) runs seven days a week through Hyde Park and Mount Lookout, stopping at DeSales Corner and Mt. Lookout Square. Route 37 (MLK–Westwood Northern) also serves Hyde Park Square and the Oakley Transit Center seven days a week.

Route 25, the Mt. Lookout Commuter, connects Madisonville, Oakley, Mount Lookout and Columbia Tusculum to downtown but runs only Monday through Friday. Because Election Day falls on a Tuesday, that line will operate on its normal weekday schedule.

One catch for on-demand riders: MetroNow! operates within five designated service zones, and none covers Hyde Park, Oakley or Mount Lookout. Riders in these neighborhoods should plan on using fixed-route buses instead.

Metro said all buses will follow their regular schedules on Election Day. Riders can download the Transit app to plan a trip and track buses in real time.

Access paratransit, which provides door-to-door service for eligible individuals with disabilities, will also be fare-free. Each MetroNow! vehicle has space for two mobility aids such as wheelchairs or strollers, according to Metro's website.

Voters can find their polling place and other election information at VoteHamiltonCountyOhio.gov. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.