Streetcar could get help from Metro

The Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA) could be teaming up with Cincinnati to plan the future of the streetcars.

The SORTA Board of Trustees, which operates the Cincinnati Metro bus transit system, voted May 18 to authorize the transit authority to partner with the city in planning and operating the proposed streetcar system.

The vote occurred in the wake of Cincinnati City Council approving more than $66 million in local bonds and grants for the streetcar project.

“It just makes sense,” said Melody Sawyer Richardson, chair of the SORTA board. “SORTA will bring extensive transit expertise and understanding to the project, as we work with the city and the community to develop the best possible streetcar operating plan.”

Possible advantages from the partnership with the city include SORTA assisting in offsetting federal transit funding for the streetcar project and coordinating the streetcar plan with current Metro bus service to reduce costs and improve efficiency.

“The streetcar is a city economic development tool of regional importance,” Richardson said. “But it’s also a transportation mode that must be integrated with current transit service and operated efficiently and effectively.”

Metro’s proposed uptown transit center could also be developed into a transportation hub for the streetcar, uptown shuttles and Metro service.

The planned system would have streetcar routes running along Vine, Calhoun and McMillan streets in Uptown.

The city is glad to use SORTA’s transportation expertise to plan for the streetcar project’s long-term sustainability, said Milton Dohoney Jr., Cincinnati city manager.

The decision by SORTA is subject to mutually agreeing with the city on an operating plan for the streetcars and working together on a community engagement program.

SORTA’s Board of Trustees will vote again after the agreements with the city in order to make a final decision on the operation of the streetcar system.

City council’s transportation subcommittee is slated to meet again June 22 to discuss further plans concerning the streetcar and SORTA’s involvement.