Cincinnati’s first bus rapid transit (BRT) route is moving closer to construction, with Metro officials expecting to complete the design by the end of 2026.
The planned MetroRapid corridor will connect Downtown Cincinnati with Roselawn, primarily along Reading Road, with construction targeted for spring 2027.
The project aims to improve public transportation reliability, shorten trips and provide more frequent service. However, updated plans include fewer dedicated bus lanes than originally proposed, raising questions about how much faster the new service will be.
Cincinnati MetroRapid design approaches completion
Cincinnati Metro’s MetroRapid project is designed to create a faster transit connection between Downtown and neighborhoods to the north. The approximately 9.2-mile corridor will serve key destinations, including parts of the city’s Uptown area and the medical district.
According to local reporting published October 27, 2026, Metro officials told Cincinnati City Council that design work is nearing completion. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2027, with the project targeted for completion in 2028.
The planned service will use longer, articulated buses and transit-priority features to reduce delays. These improvements are intended to make public transportation a more reliable option for people traveling to work, medical appointments and other destinations…