Transportation accounts for about 18% of the University of Cincinnati's carbon footprint; therefore, it is an important focus of our Climate Action Plan and sustainanability goals. The University has also developed a Bike Planto guide the improvement of bike infrastructure and resources on campus.

Each individual in the UC community makes his or her own transportation choices which contribute to UC's transportation-related carbon footprint.  Below are programs, operated by UC and other organizations, that students, faculty, and staff may find useful as alternatives to single occupancy vehicle use.

Active Transportation Options

Bearcat Bike Share

The University of Cincinnati's Bearcat Bike Share began on April 22, 2010 and was kicked off with a bike parade down MainStreet as part of Earth Day 40th anniversary celebrations.  The program is part of overall sustainability initiatives at UC and is the first component of the UC Bike Plan to be implemented.  The Bearcat Bike Share will help reduce carbon emissions, pollution, traffic and parking shortages while increasing health, fitness, community engagement and a sense of place.  Thirty bicycles are available for free check-out at a number of locations on West and East Campus, including the Campus Recreation Center.

Bike Kitchen 

In 2010, the University of Cincinnati created a campus bike shop to service the fleet of the Bearcat Bike Share and to provide an informal atmosphere for the UC community to learn about bike repair, bike safety, commuting, and to use the resources to do simple repairs on their own bikes.  Located in a former kitchen space in the old Faculty Center, the Bike Kitchen is open several days a week (depending on our student Bike Mechanics' availability) for anyone to stop by and ask questions.

UC Shuttle Systems

UC offers two free shuttle services to students, staff and faculty.  The Campus Transit System (CTS) operates four routes between designated stops on UC campuses, Monday - Friday.  The Bearcat Transportation System (BTS) operates at various times during the academic terms, connecting UC's Uptown Campus with nearby neighborhoods and local entertainment districts. 

NightRide

NightRide is a free nighttime shuttle service provided to the UC campus community to provide safe and reliable transportation to and from locations within a one mile radius around the UC campus.  Call 513-556-RIDE to schedule a ride Sunday - Wednesday 8:00pm - 12:00am or Thursday - Saturday 8:00pm - 2:00am.

UC*Metro

UC*Metro is an agreement between UC and the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority, which operates the region's Metro bus service.  UC*Metro includes two fare card options.  The UC*Metro Fare Card allows for unlimited rides in the City of Cincinnati for $53/semester.  The EZ Ride Fare Card allows riders to pay a reduced fare of only $1 for each ride.  

Nervous about riding the bus?  Not sure exactly what to expect?  Check out this informative guide for new riders.

Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky (TANK)

TANK is the regional bus service of Northern Kentucky.  It extends into downtown Cincinnati and can be taken to the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) as well as many other destinations.  UC does not currently have any program for discounted services from TANK.

Clermont Transportation Connection (CTC)

CTC is the primary provider of public transportation in Clermont County.  CTC offers 3 fixed routes in addition to Dial-A-Ride services. 

Other Local Transportation Options

Zipcar

This car sharing service maintains 24-hour access for students, faculty, and staff over 18 years of age to reserve a car by the hour or by the day.  It provides the convenience of a car without the hassle.  Membership is open to all UC faculty, staff, and students.  There are currently 5 Zipcars located on UC's main campus.

Rideshare Ohio

UC students, faculty, and staff can sign up to participate in Rideshare Ohio to find carpooling partners.

UC Parking Services

UC Parking Services operates many parking garages and lots for commuting students, faculty, staff, and visitors.  Parking Services has also initiated a number of programs promoting sustainability on campus. Some of those programs include:

• Reserved hybrid parking stalls on Levels 2 and 5 in Eden Garage. 
• Reserved stalls for ride share vans and carpooling vehicles in CCM, Varsity Village, Woodside and Campus Green Garages.
• Parking areas reserved for motorcycles located throughout the University campus.
• Multi-use, plug-in stations for electric vehicles in the Varsity Village Garage.  Parking Services is currently evaluating additional plug-in station locations.

Taxis

The City of Cincinnati keeps a public record of all taxi companies registered with the city as well as the number of licenses and the phone numbers for each company.

Intercity Transportation Options

GoBus

GoBus service from Cincinnati to Athens now stops at UC.  The route stops at West University Avenue and Commons Way, across from Schneider Hall.  Visit the GoBus website for more details.

Megabus

This intercity bus service offers daily trips from downtown Cincinnati to Columbus, Indianapolis, Chicago, Atlanta, Buffalo, Chattanooga, and Knoxville.  Beginning January 9, 2013, Megabus will stop on campus at West University Avenue and Commons Way en route to Indianapolis, Chicago, and Columbus.

GotoBus

GotoBus, also referred to as the Chinatown Bus, runs a daily, non-stop route from Cincinnati to New York City for $50.  Buses leave from Sharonville, OH, near the intersection of I-275 and I-75.

Greyhound

This bus service has routes to Atlanta, Dayton, Detroit, Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, Orlando, Toledo, and many more cities.  Some routes leave from the UC campus and others from the downtown Reading Road station.  Greyhound offers a "Student Advantage" card for frequent travelers.

Amtrak

Amtrak is a passenger rail service that leaves from Union Terminal and travels between Chicago, Indianapolis, Washington, D.C., and New York City with stops in between.  The Cardinal Line travels through Cincinnati.  Student discounts are available through membership on the website.

CVG Airport

The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport offers 180 daily departures to regional, national, and international destinations.