Metro bus stops could face the axe
Metro, the Southwest Ohio Region Transit Authority's tax-funded system of public transportation, is considering removing some bus stops in order to shorten overall travel times.
Late in January, signs were posted at the stops that might be closed, so Metro riders would be aware of the situation. The project actually started last summer, as Metro evaluated its entire system, which has over 4,000 regular bus stops, to determine how to speed up the times needed for each trip. It also wanted to improve the routes by streamlining the placement of bus stops.
The stops were examined with regard to location—making certain they weren't either too far apart or too close together—as well as their accessibility, safety, amenities, and usage. Organizations like this might also use flyer printing to make sure citizens are aware of the plans.
A pilot program is now underway, testing how well certain routes work with a reduced number of stops. The routes where stops are being skipped are:
• Route 15X – the Mt. Healthy Express / Daly Express
• Route 17, running through Northgate/Mt. Airy/ Mt. Healthy/Seven Hills
• Route 31, between Evanston Crosstown and the West End
• Route 33, between Glenway and Western Hills
• Route 41, between Oakley Crosstown and Glenway Crossing
Metro has asked riders to tell it what they think of closing the indicated stops, and would also like to know if riders have suggestions for other stops that could be shut down. The company provides about 14 million rides annually.