Cincinnati Looking for Transit Budget Solutions

The Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA) is considering a fare increase for the Metro bus system in Cincinnati, according to an article by Chris Wetterich. SORTA is considering the fare increases in response to the transit authority's ongoing budget problems.

"SORTA’s main source of local funding is a 0.3 percent Cincinnati earnings tax, which a succession of SORTA executives, board members and blue-ribbon committees have found is not financially sustainable for the agency’s long-term future because the current system does not adequately connect people to the places they work," explains Wetterich.

In the midst of a re-election campaign, Mayor John Cranley has proposed a half-cent sales tax that would increase funding for the regional transit system. "Councilwoman Yvette Simpson said before SORTA seeks tax increases, it should study and realign its routes, as Columbus and Houston recently did, to become more efficient and draw more riders," reports Wetterich.

The proposed 15-cent fare increase would also need to be approved by the Cincinnati City Council.