Two new Cincinnati Metro bus routes launched in Oakley on Aug. 16, giving the neighborhood direct connections to Avondale and St. Bernard.

Route 47, running from Avondale to Oakley, and Route 53, connecting St. Bernard to Oakley, both started service as part of Metro's fall changes, The News Record reported. A third new route, Route 70, called the UC Connector, links the University of Cincinnati's Uptown and Blue Ash campuses. All riders can use that route, according to Metro's website.

More than 20 existing bus schedules were also updated in the Aug. 16 changes.

Brad Mason, Metro's director of communications, said the adjustments grew out of rider data and public feedback. Metro held a public meeting at the Oakley Public Library on April 28 to gather input on the proposed routes before they were finalized, according to Metro's public notice.

"Four times a year, we implement service improvements and adjustments to accommodate changes that we find necessary in our service," Mason told The News Record.

The bigger news for East Side riders may still be ahead. Mason said construction on Metro's Rapid Transit system and service on the Reading Road Corridor is projected for 2027. The plan would combine the Reading Road and Hamilton Avenue corridors near UC, with paths running through downtown and the Banks.

Metro plans to host five community events in February 2027 to demo the rapid transit system and collect feedback. Metro has not announced specific dates or locations.

The system, which Metro calls Metro Rapid, would blend features of rail and bus service. Mason said it would combine the speed and comfort of rail with the flexibility of bus transit.

Riders can view a route adjustment map at go-metro.com to check whether their bus line changed on Aug. 16.

What's ahead: Metro plans five community demo events in February 2027 for the rapid transit system. Dates and locations have not been announced.