Metro Transit Infrastructure Funds
Metro Transit Infrastructure Funds
In May 2020, the residents of Hamilton County voted to replace Cincinnati Metro’s existing funding model, which relied primarily on the city’s earnings tax, with a new funding structure. Effective January 2021, a 0.8% sales tax will fund SORTA for the next 25 years.
75% of the sales tax levy (or 0.6%) funds Metro’s bus service operations and capital costs. The remaining 25% (0.2%) funds infrastructure improvements such as road, bridge and sidewalk improvements that fall within Metro’s service area and benefit bus service.
Current Applications
Fiscal Year 2025 Grant Applications
Metro is currently accepting applications for the fourth cycle of the Metro Transit Infrastructure Fund (MTIF). These grants aim to support various transit-related improvements, including road, bridge, and sidewalk enhancements within ¾ mile of Metro’s service area in Hamilton County.
Application Guidelines
Hamilton County and all municipalities and townships in Hamilton County are eligible to apply for grants. The Metro Transit Infrastructure Fund Applicant Guidelines provide details on the grant program and the application process.
Download the 2025 applicant guidelines.
Download the 2025 application.
Download the 2025 application checklist.
Download the Bus Stop Guidelines.
Download the Bus Route Information Files.
Purpose
The Metro Transit Infrastructure Fund program was established to manage the portion of the sales tax levy (the 0.2%) allocated to roadway infrastructure.
- The goal of the program is to assist localities within Hamilton County in improving the state of their roadway infrastructure
- Improve overall mobility for Hamilton County residents by providing grant funds to roads that are within Metro’s service area
Applicant Guidelines
Hamilton County and all municipalities and townships in Hamilton County are eligible to apply for grants. The Metro Transit Infrastructure Fund Applicant Guidelines provide details on the grant program and the application process.
Eligible Projects
Infrastructure projects eligible for consideration must be within ¾ mile of a Metro fixed transit route – excluding stretches on limited access highways, classified as Class 1, such as I-275, I-75, I-74 and I-71.
Contact
Any questions regarding the Transit Infrastructure Fund may be directed to Khaled Shammout, Chief Strategic Planning, Development and Innovation Officer, at kshammout@go-metro.com or by phone at 513-632-7671.
Project Approval
The Transit Infrastructure Fund program is being administered by SORTA staff. Transit Infrastructure Fund applications will be scored by an evaluation committee designated by SORTA. Final approval of selected projects will be granted by the OPWC District 2 Integrating Committee.
