Transit restructuring getting a close look

Cincinnati City Council has adopted a motion that would restructure the finances and control of SORTA, southwest Ohio's transit agency. Councilmember John Cranley will introduce the Regional Transportation Act, a proposal that would create the Greater Cincinnati Transportation Authority (GCTA), reforming the governing structure of SORTA to better incentivize jurisdictions who contribute to public transportation and give fast-growing suburban communities more of a say on regional transportation issues.

Historically, the City of Cincinnati has held a minority on the SORTA board despite contributing the bulk of the operating fund.

"Cincinnati invests $43 million annually in public transit," Cranley writes in a statement supporting the motion. "Sadly, no other jurisdiction comes anywhere near this investment. Cincinnati taxpayers contribute over 90 percent of local transit dollars and that investment should be reflected in the amount of representation they have in the body that governs transportation."

Suburban counties have had no representation on the board, receiving bus routes through contract.

"A successful regional transportation system must include the fast growing Butler, Clermont, and Warren counties, which have a lot of jobs and currently are not formally part of the governing structure of SORTA," Cranley writes.

The GCTA board would be composed of between 11 and 19 members.  Each county would be able to appoint a representative, with the remainder allocated based on financial contribution.

The new agency would receive all of SORTA's assets, liabilities, and routes.

City administration is likely to report back to council on the proposal following the summer break.

Writer: Kevin LeMaster
Source: Cincinnati City Council
Photography by Scott Beseler