---

An alternative to gas-guzzling car commutes could aid University of Cincinnati students in their daily transportation endeavors.

Funded by UC’s Undergraduate Student Government and the UC administration, the UC Metro Program offers two options for travel within the university community. With the new EZ Ride option, the program offers something for everyone.

In May 2007, the UC Metro Program began requiring students and faculty members to present their UC ID to ride without paying any fare, Program Director Marie
Sutthoff explained.

“By the start of autumn term 2008, the program required UC students and staff to register online to verify their eligibility status,” Sutthoff said.

After those eligible were mailed a UC Metro fare card, presenting both the fare card and UC ID was mandatory for free transportation. After the Spring Quarter 2009, a mandatory $10 fee was collected from students or staff member looking to participate in the program.

Today, the fee has leveled off at $40 to obtain a UC Metro fare card, and participants must pay a cash drop fee upon boarding the bus. In Zone 1 — which covers traveling within the city limits of Cincinnati — the drop fee is 25 cents for participants.

Second-year UC student Logan Carver bought the UC Metro fare card at the beginning of the academic year and considers it superior to any other.

“I use it because I’m basically without a car,” Carver said. “And knowing I’ll frequently take the bus, the pass pays off itself within a few weeks.”

Carver saves more than $60 per week by using the fare card and enjoys not having to worry about the problems that come with owning a car.

While lengthy rides, crowded seats and waiting for the bus’s arrival can be an annoyance, he affirms that the benefits outweigh the disadvantages.

“It’s cheap, dependable and better than getting a DUI,” he said. “It also takes you directly to campus from practically anywhere.”

Unlike the UC Metro fare card, the EZ Ride fare card costs nothing to acquire and requires zone fee payments. The second option was created in 2011, after UC ridership began falling after the Metro base fare increase in December 2009.

“Metro proposed adding a second discounted ride option — which became the EZ Ride option — to increase ridership,” Sutthoff said.

Because both options offer different benefits, students should weigh their personal transportation needs.

“All students should consider their individual needs and patterns to determine the benefits each fare card option may provide for them,”
Sutthoff said.

For Autumn Quarter 2011, 890 students registered for an EZ Ride fare card, while 478 students registered for a UC Metro fare card. And while fiscally responsible, the UC Metro Program also promotes sustainable transportation options.

“By encouraging the use of public transportation by UC students and staff, it may reduce the University of Cincinnati’s carbon footprint,” Sutthoff said.
Carver also dismisses any preconceived notions that the Metro isn’t a safe form of transportation.

The Metro has an alliance with their own police force to protect the bus drivers, Carver said.
“Don’t believe any rumors that it’s dangerous or that dangerous people ride the bus,” he said. “Look for the red posts on main roads for bus stops and enjoy the interesting people who ride.”