Thursday, June 17, 1999
Mass-transit agencies join forces to get ready for light rail
BY EARNEST WINSTON
The Cincinnati Enquirer
The region's largest transit operators created an umbrella agency Wednesday that could develop and build the proposed light rail system along the Interstate 71 corridor on both sides of the Ohio River.
The agreement between the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA), which operates Metro, and the Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky (TANK), is intended to show federal officials transit operators will work together to operate a light rail system — even before funding is approved for such a system.
Though the agreement doesn't guarantee funding or mean money will arrive any faster, TANK General Manager Mark Donaghy said, it shows a growing regional cooperation.
“It's just one step closer to public transportation operating as one integrated system in this region,” said Metro General Manager Paul Jablonski.
The two agencies have started joint staff meetings and are discussing a joint radio communications system to share information about traffic and congestion.
This month TANK and Metro for the first time began offer ing a “Clean Air Fare.” For 50 cents, from now until Labor Day, riders can travel between the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport and Paramount's Kings Island. By dropping the 30- to 40-cent transfer charge, both agencies hope to get people out of their cars and onto the bus during the height of smog season.
More than 700 people transfer from TANK buses to Metro buses in Ohio on an average day. About 600 riders transfer from Metro to TANK buses daily. Total possible savings round-trip: $2.65.
“(For riders), it doesn't matter whose stripes are on the buses, it only matters where the buses go,” Mr. Donaghy said.
Both agencies say it's too early to measure the impact the summer fares are having on reducing smog, but they have seen ridership increase. “We're seeing sporadic results now,” said Mr. Jablonski.
Added Mary Fisher, a TANK board member: “If we do not plan for tomorrow, we will not be prepared for the inevitable changes that increased traffic congestion and pollution will cause.”
Under the interlocal agreement, TANK and SORTA would remain separate entities. A joint operating board would oversee the regional aspects of electric-powered trains.
Light rail still has to pass several hurdles. The first 18 miles of a system, stretching from Covington to Blue Ash, is undergoing a preliminary engineering study. Officials are working to find the best routes, improve cost estimates and determine environmental impact.
They have not yet secured the $600 million for construction of the system expected to be completed as early as 2008.
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