The district (CPS) is introducing a new color-coded bus pass system this year for students traveling via Cincinnati Metro. Students started fall session last week.
About 12,000 free SmartCard passes will be distributed to seventh through 12th grade students for the 2025-26 school year. This year, all seventh and eighth grade students will get a pass.
Other changes are coming to Metro student transportation as the district adjusts to a new corridor model. The plan also minimizes the number of transfers students must take to get home.
Parents are encouraged to use the Transit app to help their children navigate the bus system.
Changes coming to Cincinnati Public Schools Metro pass program
This year, direct and nondirect (transfer) passes are color-coded and programmed to each type of pass. Parents can ride with their children for free through Wednesday.
The SmartCard pass is valid on weekdays 6 a.m to 9:30 a.m., and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Pass types
- Regular pass with direct route (black):
- Student does not need to transfer buses
- Cuts off at 5 p.m.
- About 7,000 distributed.
- Regular pass with nondirect route (blue):
- Student will need one bus transfer – the maximum allowed under state law.
- Cuts off at 5 p.m.
- About 3,000 distributed.
- Extracurricular and virtual students (red):
- Student is granted season-specific passes for extended hours
- About 2,000 distributed.
With color-coded passes, officials at transit centers can check whether the student should have exited there. All passes will contain the student’s address.
Safety measures
Metro is working with CPS and the city’s Department of Transportation and Engineering to streamline a plan on student safety.
- The district and Metro will work together to address on-board issues.
- Cincinnati police officers will be staffed at transit centers, as well as community responders with the city’s 311Cincy program.
- Government Square Transit Center:
- About 300 student transfers expected each afternoon.
- Iris Roley and the Community Agreement Community Care Initiative team will maintain a presence at the Government Square transit center.
- A Metro supervisor will also be present daily.
- The former Fifth Street liquor store building will be outfitted for a ticket sales office and security center.
Ridership data will be provided to the district each month. Daily, monthly and school year-to-date ridership will be tracked, as well as usage of direct and nondirect passes.
Each school has crossing guards at the pick-up and drop-off area. Fifty-six schools, about 87% of the district’s buildings, have a painted crosswalk. Fifty-three, or 83%, feature school zone or speed limit signs.
If a student is lost on the bus system, they should notify the driver. The driver will call the dispatch center, and a supervisor will be sent to determine the best solution. For example, whether they should take child back to school or call their parents. The student can also call 513-363-RIDE if they exit at the wrong bus stop.
More information on planning student trips can be found on Metro’s website and CPS’ website.
