Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority

What Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority does

Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA), operating publicly as Metro, is the exclusive public transit provider for Hamilton County, Ohio. The authority delivers fixed-route bus service (38 local routes, 9 express routes, and 5 job-connection reverse-commute routes) operating 365 days per year, 24 hours per day, out of two operating garages (Bond Hill and Queensgate), with commuter service extending into Butler, Clermont, and Warren counties. Complementary services include MetroNow! on-demand micro-transit (powered by Via, currently across four zones), Access paratransit (ADA-compliant shared-ride service for riders with disabilities), MetroPlus limited-stop crosstown service, and 21 park-and-ride locations. The active fleet totals 307 buses plus 57 Access paratransit vehicles, and the system logged 13.1 million rides in 2023, recovering to 117% of pre-COVID levels versus a 70-80% national average for peer agencies.

The technology stack centers on the Transit app with EZFare mobile payment (fare processing powered by Masabi), which delivers the Tap&Save fare capping system, digital ticketing, real-time bus tracking, and the Rider Rewards loyalty program. The MyAccess app handles paratransit bookings and trip tracking, while Via's platform underpins MetroNow! dispatch. Metro publishes open GTFS data feeds, integrates with Google Maps/Transit, and uses ArcGIS for service-change visualization. Amenities include free Wi-Fi on all buses and on-board charging ports. The organization employs approximately 1,200 people, predominantly drivers and mechanics.

Metro is structured as a non-profit, tax-funded public service with no parent company and no public listing. Revenue derives from three primary streams: passenger fares (single rides, day passes, 30-day rolling passes, smart cards, EZfare wallet, plus half-price reduced-fare programs), government funding (Issue 7 voter-approved tax levy of approximately $130 million annually plus federal FTA grants for capital), and advertising on buses, shelters, and transit properties. The authority operates a horizontal segmentation strategy across the general public, K-12 students (free CPS passes for 7th-12th graders), university students and staff (free passes at five partner universities), military veterans and active-duty personnel (MVP half-price program), seniors and Medicare card holders (Fare Deal), and ADA-certified riders (Access paratransit). Distribution occurs through ~500+ bus stops, ticket vending machines at five transit centers, two downtown sales offices, mobile platforms, and the Transit app partner channel.

Name

Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority

Legal name

Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority

Website

https://go-metro.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1973

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA), operating as Metro, is the exclusive public transit provider for Hamilton County, Ohio, delivering 24/7 fixed-route bus service, paratransit, and on-demand micro-transit to 13.1 million annual riders across the Greater Cincinnati region.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Transit Services

NAICS

Bus and Other Motor Vehicle Transit Systems (485113), Special Needs Transportation (485991), Urban Transit Systems (48511)

SIC

Local & Suburban Transit & Interurban Hwy Passenger Trans (4100), Transportation Services (4700)

akta.pro primary industry

Metro/Urban Rail Operators (Integrated Multimodal Agencies) (TLAFAEAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Urban Rail Accessibility & Passenger Assistance Services (THAIABAK), Community & Senior Transportation Shuttles (Dial-a-Ride, Non-ADA) (TLAFAJAI)

Keywords

• Public bus transit
• Paratransit services
• On-demand transit
• Fare payment systems
• Transit authority services

Headquarters

HQ city

Cincinnati

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Passenger Fares: Fare revenue from fixed-route bus service, express routes, MetroNow! on-demand service, and Access paratransit service. Fares are collected via cash on board, smart cards, the Transit app, stored-value cards, day passes, and 30-day rolling passes. The authority implemented fare capping (Tap&Save) to ensure riders pay the lowest possible price.
2. Government Funding and Tax Revenue: Metro is a non-profit, tax-funded public service. In 2020, Hamilton County voters approved Issue 7, which reinvests approximately $130 million annually into Metro to support service improvements. Federal funding (FTA grants) also supports capital investments such as the Wi-Fi security program and fleet modernization.
3. Advertising: Metro sells advertising space on buses, bus shelters, transit centers, and other properties. Businesses can advertise through Metro's Doing Business program.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Metro operates fixed-route public bus transit across Hamilton County, Ohio with 38 local routes, 9 express routes, and 5 job connection reverse-commute routes, running 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. Complementary services include MetroNow! on-demand micro-transit (powered by Via), Access ADA paratransit, MetroPlus limited-stop crosstown service, mobile fare payment via the Transit app with EZfare/Tap&Save fare capping, and discounted fare programs for seniors, veterans, students, and riders with disabilities.

Product overview

Metro is the public transit system operated by the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA), providing bus transit for the Cincinnati region. The core offering is Metro Fixed Route bus service with 38 local routes, 9 express routes, and 5 Job Connection routes operating 365 days a year. Complementary services include MetroNow! on-demand transit (powered by Via), Access Paratransit (ADA-compliant shared-ride service), and MetroPlus limited-stop crosstown service. Fare payment is managed through the Transit App with EZfare integration featuring Tap&Save fare capping, EZfare Smart Cards, and traditional paper passes. Discount programs include the Veterans MVP program, Fare Deal for seniors/disabled, University Discount Program, and CPS student passes. Rider amenities include free Wi-Fi on all buses, real-time tracking via Transit App, Bike & Ride, Park & Ride facilities, and Rider Rewards loyalty program. The Reinventing Metro initiative (funded by Issue 7) is expanding service with new routes, improved frequency, and proposed Bus Rapid Transit.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• MetroNow!: On-demand transit service providing mobility within specific zones, connecting passengers to the broader Metro network.
• Access
• Metro Rider Rewards
• Tap&Save
• MVP (Metro Veterans Program)
• EZfare

Products and services

• Metro Fixed Route Bus Service Traditional fixed-route bus service operating 38 local routes, 9 express routes, and 5 Job Connection reverse-commute routes across Hamilton County with commuter service to Clermont, Butler, and Warren counties. Operates 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.
• MetroNow! On-Demand Service On-demand shared-ride micro-transit service operating in designated zones (Springdale/Sharonville, Northgate/Mt. Healthy, Forest Park/Pleasant Run, Blue Ash/Montgomery) via a dedicated mobile app or phone booking. Operates weekdays 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and weekends 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. at $2.50 per ride.
• Access Paratransit

Quantifiable outcome

• 13.1 million rides provided in 2023 across Greater Cincinnati
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration9 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and secondary.

• University of CincinnaticoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMetro partners with UC to offer free 30-day transit passes to enrolled students and staff each month via the Transit app with EZFare. Students must register using their UC email address. Routes serving UC include 4, 11, 12, 17, 19, 31, 46, 51, 78, and 90 (MetroPlus).
• Cincinnati State Technical & Community CollegecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMetro partners with Cincinnati State to offer free 30-day transit passes to enrolled students and staff each month. Students must register using their Cincinnati State email address. Routes serving Cincinnati State include 17, 19, 20, 24, and 51.
• Xavier UniversitycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMetro partners with Xavier University to offer free 30-day transit passes to enrolled students and staff each month. Registration through Xavier's web portal. Routes serving Xavier include 4, 31, 36, 51, and 90 (MetroPlus).
• Mount St. Joseph UniversitysecondaryGTM or Marketing PartnerMetro partners with Mount St. Joseph University to offer free 30-day transit passes to enrolled students and staff each month. Routes serving MSJ include 36 and 77.
• The Christ CollegesecondaryGTM or Marketing PartnerMetro partners with The Christ College (formerly Christ College) to offer free 30-day transit passes to enrolled students and staff each month. Routes serving The Christ College include 12, 19, and 38.
• Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerMetro provides free bus passes to eligible CPS 7th-12th graders living more than 1 mile from school. Passes are color-coded by route type (direct/non-direct/extracurricular). Metro provided 10,000+ student trips per day in 2025-26 with 95% on-time performance. Metro staff attend school orientations and CPS cookouts for outreach.
• Transit (App Partner)coreTechnology or IntegrationTransit app is Metro's official partner for mobile fare payment (EZFare), trip planning, and real-time bus tracking. Riders use the app to access Tap&Save fare capping, Rider Rewards, and digital passes. Metro is listed as the official transit system in the Transit app settings.
• Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky (TANK)secondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMetro and TANK cross-accept each other's passes on Metro/TANK routes. Joint day pass ($5.00) and 30-day pass ($105) available for unlimited rides on both transit systems. EZfare smart cards can be reloaded at TANK locations.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky (TANK): Adjacent fixed-route bus operator serving Northern Kentucky with which Metro cross-accepts passes; directly comparable in size, modal mix (bus-only with paratransit), and target customer profile (Cincinnati-region commuters).
• Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA): Mid-size Ohio bus-focused transit agency serving Columbus with CMAX BRT lines; comparable to Metro in fleet size, fixed-route emphasis, and Ohio public-transit context, though larger with a more developed BRT network.
• Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA): Ohio multimodal transit agency operating bus and heavy/light rail plus paratransit in Cleveland; comparable peer as another Ohio public authority with similar rider demographics and ADA paratransit obligations.
• IndyGo: Indianapolis public bus-only transit agency that recently launched the Red Line BRT; comparable to Metro in mid-size bus focus, voter-approved local funding, and ambition to deploy BRT — a useful benchmark for Metro's BRT roadmap.

Broad incumbents

• Metro Transit (Minneapolis-St. Paul): Larger Midwestern multimodal transit agency operating bus, light rail, and commuter rail; broader incumbent with overlapping bus and paratransit services, useful as a scaling comparison for Metro's Reinventing Metro ambitions.
• Valley Metro (Phoenix): Arizona regional transit authority operating bus and light rail with a voter-approved sales-tax funding model similar in structure to Metro's Issue 7; useful peer for funding mechanism and bus+rail mode-mix benchmarking.
• Miami-Dade Transit: Large multimodal county transit agency with fixed-route bus, Metrorail, Metromover, and paratransit; broader incumbent whose service mix and paratransit (STS) operations overlap with Metro's Access service.

Others

• Via Transportation: Technology provider powering MetroNow! on-demand microtransit; adjacent infrastructure partner whose platform enables Metro's on-demand zones and whose peer on-demand deployments are competitively benchmarked against Metro's service.
• Masabi: Fare-payment-as-a-service provider that powers the purchasing layer of Metro's Transit App/EZfare integration; comparable to other Masabi deployments at peer transit agencies and a key ecosystem dependency.
• Transit App: Official mobile trip-planning and fare-payment partner for Metro with Tap&Save/EZfare integration; adjacent enabling platform whose feature roadmap (fare capping, Rider Rewards) directly shapes Metro's digital rider experience.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/cincinnatimetro
• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/CincinnatiMetro
• Facebookfacebook.com/GoMetro
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sorta-metro
• Instagraminstagram.com/cincinnatimetro

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority