Bus Question (Cincinnati, Cambridge, Covington: how much, transfer to, buy)

[WILWRadio]

Can you buy a transfer pass from either a Metro Bus in Cincy or Tank Bus in Covington to use to transfer from one bus to another in the downtown area at the 4th and Main (Federal Preserve) stop or 4th and Vine stop? Or can you only transfer from a TANK bus to a TANK bus and Metro Bus to Metro Bus?

[h Steve]

This really doesn't say. You might have to call them at the number at the top of the page.
Fare Information : Cincinnati Metro - Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority

[WILWRadio]

Called them and they said the Transfers are good for both bus services. Good deal.

[ProkNo5]

Originally Posted by WILWRadio

Called them and they said the Transfers are good for both bus services. Good deal.

That's incorrect. Who did you call, Metro or TANK?

Transfers from TANK to Metro cost 85 cents (Zone 1). Transfers from Metro to TANK cost $1.00.

This is the amount you pay after giving your transfer to the bus driver, so if you bought a transfer for $0.50 on Metro and jump on a TANK bus you have to pay an additional dollar.

[WILWRadio]

Originally Posted by ProkNo5

That's incorrect. Who did you call, Metro or TANK?

Transfers from TANK to Metro cost 85 cents (Zone 1). Transfers from Metro to TANK cost $1.00.

This is the amount you pay after giving your transfer to the bus driver, so if you bought a transfer for $0.50 on Metro and jump on a TANK bus you have to pay an additional dollar.

Called Metro. Thanks for letting me know. When I rode the bus in Hartford and Denver (years ago though) transfers were free. Must have to pay an additional fee due to the fact both TANK and Metro are in different states.

Will be traveling in Zone 1 only on the OH side. And in Covington as well. Seems as though you really don't save anything under this system.

I'll initially use a Metro bus to transfer to TANK downtown tomorrow. Then on Wednesday will initially use a TANK bus and transfer to Metro downtown.

[WILWRadio]

How are the Bus stop's designated? Looking for one on Street View at the corner of Gilbert Ave. and Court St. near Greyhound and Horseshoe Casino but can't find any signs designating a bust stop. According to Metro they have one there. Can't find it. Any ideas how it will be marked?

[ProkNo5]

Metro stops are all marked with bright lime green signs and they all list the route numbers. Stops used to be marked with a reddish-orange stripe of paint on the utility pole. Both inbound and outbound stops at Greyhound still have this paint (which you can spot on Google) but remember that not every stop has this paint anymore.

Inbound and outbound stops aren't across the street from each other at the casino. Outbound is underneath the pedestrian bridge across the street from Greyhound. Inbound is on the same side of the street as Greyhound closer to the big Horseshoe sign but still on Greyhound property.

You'll definitely be able to find them both on foot.

[ProkNo5]

One thing I cannot recommend enough is to get a Stored Value Card. You can buy them online or at the Ticket Vending Machine on Government Square (the big transfer point downtown). They're sold in $10, $20, and $30 quantities and work just like a gift card for yourself. You dunk it in the farebox, it takes off the balance, and it prints the remaining balance on it. Pretty simple concept, but I recommend them so much because they work on both systems and they remove the element of spare change. With all of the random Zone fares, transfer fees, and system conversions it becomes really easy to find yourself without exact change. Stored Value Cards are a lifesaver in those times. I don't know how much you'll be riding, but I always keep a spare SVC in my wallet just in case my earlier one runs out. They don't expire for 4 years so they're a pretty safe investment.

[WILWRadio]

Originally Posted by ProkNo5

One thing I cannot recommend enough is to get a Stored Value Card. You can buy them online or at the Ticket Vending Machine on Government Square (the big transfer point downtown). They're sold in $10, $20, and $30 quantities and work just like a gift card for yourself. You dunk it in the farebox, it takes off the balance, and it prints the remaining balance on it. Pretty simple concept, but I recommend them so much because they work on both systems and they remove the element of spare change. With all of the random Zone fares, transfer fees, and system conversions it becomes really easy to find yourself without exact change. Stored Value Cards are a lifesaver in those times. I don't know how much you'll be riding, but I always keep a spare SVC in my wallet just in case my earlier one runs out. They don't expire for 4 years so they're a pretty safe investment.

Thanks for all of the information. After reviewing the light poles in front of Greyhound I was able to spot the bus stop. Will look for the outbound one next.

If I find that I will be using the bus on a daily basis, I will be certain to get a Monthly Pass in some form. Will definitely save some money.

Right now will be using it just for a couple of days. Car broke down and is currently in a repair shop in Cambridge, OH. To make a long story short, need the bus for a couple of days.

[ProkNo5]

Gotcha. I've been car-free for a number of years now and Cincinnati is actually pretty easy to get around in without one if you live in the city. Best of luck these few days.

One last suggestion, download the Transit app. It's totally free and by far the most intuitive source of scheduled bus info.