After many of years of debate followed by a few years of construction, the Cincinnati Streetcar  (aka Cincinnati Bell Connector) is ready to make its debut on September 9, 2016. Here is some information about this new type of transportation:

Driving with the Streetcar
Not sure how you feel, but this blogger is a bit nervous about driving in front of, next to, or behind a streetcar. Here is a video that shows you how to drive safely:

See more videos: how to ride the streetcar, pedestrian tips, biking safety and other information here.

What is the Start Date?
The Cincinnati Streetcar is currently in practice mode. The grand opening weekend is September 9-11, 2016. The streetcars will run:

• Monday-Thursday 6:30am – 12:ooam
• Friday: 6:30am – 1:00am
• Saturday: 8:00am – 1:00am
• Sunday: 9:00am – 11:00pm

How Much Does it Cost to Ride?

• The cost is $1 for two hours or $2 for an all-day pass. If you have a Metro Fare Deal Card, you it costs $.50 per ticket.
• Children (between 35 and 45 inches tall) are $.50 for a two-hour ticket. Smaller children ride free.
• Tickets are purchased before boarding. Each streetcar station has a vending machine. There will also be Cincy EZRide app for your mobile phone or tablet to purchase streetcar and Metro tickets.
• You do not hand a ticket pass to the conductor. There will be random checks throughout the day to make sure you have a pass ticket. If you do not have this pass, you will be cited a la parking ticket style.

What about the Metro Bus Service?
If you ride the Cincinnati Metro Bus Service, there are some connections between the buses and the streetcars with transfer tickets. (There is no additional fare from a transfer.)

Can My Dog Ride, Too?
Unless you have a service animal, pets are not permitted on the cars.

What is the Streetcar Route?
The streetcar runs from the Banks to Over-the-Rhine on a 3.6-mile loop. It is scheduled to run 18 hours a day, 365 days a year. The 18-stop route starts from Second Street at The Banks and includes these destinations: Government Square, Fountain Square, Contemporary Arts Center, Public Library, Aronoff Center, JACK Casino, Gateway Quarter, School for the Creative and Performing Arts, Music Hall, Findlay Market and Washington Park. The route ends in Over-the-Rhine at Henry Street. The route runs about a half block from the Sibcy Cline Metropolitan Office.  (See a map of the route here.)

How Many People Can Ride the Streetcar?
Each car holds about 150 people. There are 38 seats per car.

Is the Streetcar Available for Private Parties
Yes! $1250 for four hours. $285 for each additional hour. No alcohol. Catering is fine. Call 513-632-7561 for details.

How Much Did the Streetcars Cost?
Cincinnati paid $148 million for this project. The cars are owned by the city and managed by SORTA (Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority) and operated by Transdev.

Follow the Cincinnati Streetcar on Facebook.

Rail-ly sign with Streetcar photo credit: CincyStreetCar_Twitter