Public Comment Needed - TANK Fare Change Proposal

Get Ready! The TANK Redesign is Coming!

⏰Get ready! At the June 10th meeting, the TANK Transit Board of Directors approved the final redesigned network and service plan and we are working diligently to get the plan implemented and on the road this coming winter.

Thank you to everyone that contributed to the public involvement and input process -- you helped make this plan one that will serve Northern Kentucky's transit needs well into the future.

Once implemented, the new service network will be right-sized for the community and provides more frequent service in key corridors for current customers. Follow along as we highlight several of the service features over the next few months to learn more! Read more https://loom.ly/wU1SWNA

Labor Day- TANK will Operate a Sunday Schedule

TANK will operate a Sunday schedule for the Labor Day holiday on Monday, September 7, 2020.

The call center will be closed.  Visit tankbus.org for schedules or download Transit app to buy fare.

Fare Payment and Front Door Boarding to Return on August 10

Beginning Monday, Aug. 10, TANK will resume fare collection and front door boarding on all trips. TANK buses are now outfitted with plexiglass shields to help protect drivers and customers.

The fastest and safest way to pay your fare is with the TANK Transit app. Cash fare and pre-paid passes are also still accepted.

Customers can purchase fare by downloading Transit app on your mobile device or have your cash fare ready when boarding any TANK bus using exact change.

Know before you go

To make your trip safer please follow these guidelines:

• Mask required. Face coverings are now required to ride TANK.
• Practice social distancing by providing as much space between you, other passengers and TANK employees
• Be fare-ready: if using cash fare have it ready and insert it into the fare box quickly then proceed to a seat.
• Use contactless payment.  The Transit app with EzFare is free to download and allows riders to purchase fare anytime, anywhere.  Tickets can be stored on your smartphone and activated up to 30 minutes before boarding.  After you board the bus, just show your digital pass to the driver as you board.
• Cover your cough or sneeze. Wash your hands and avoid touching your face.

Face Masks are now REQUIRED on TANK

Face masks are now required on TANK buses.

Effective Friday, July 10, 2020, at 5 p.m., all TANK and RAMP riders will be required to wear a facial covering while on the bus or while waiting for the bus.

Children 5 and under are not required to wear a mask.

Thank you for doing your part to protect yourself and others from the spread of COVID-19.

 In addition to wearing a mask or other facial covering while riding, TANK asks riders to:

• Spread out as much as possible on board.
• Continue to board through the back door, unless the use of a mobility device or mobility impairment requires front door/ramp boarding.
• Observe CDC guidelines including using hand sanitizer, washing hands regularly for at least 20 seconds, and covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue.
  
  

Independence Day Holiday Schedule - July 3-5, 2020

In observance of the Independence Day holiday 2020:

 TANK will operate a Sunday/Holiday schedule on Friday, July 3, 2020 in observance of the holiday.
 TANK offices will be closed Friday, July 3rd, 2020.
 TANK will operate a regular Saturday schedule on Saturday, July 4, 2020.
 TANK will operate a regular Sunday schedule on Sunday, July 5, 2020.

Most TANK Routes Will Return to Full Service on June 20

Starting Saturday, June 20^th most TANK Local and Express routes will return to full service.

Not included in the return to service plan at this time are the Southbank Shuttle and the 35X East-West Express.  These routes will resume service at a later date, still to be determined.

 “We’re seeing increased demand on most routes and know that people are slowly getting back to work.  It’s the right time to begin the climb back to normal weekday service levels…our customers are asking for their bus,” stated Andrew Aiello, TANK General Manager.  “Operator turnover, combined with being unable to hire, test, license and train new bus operators over the last few months (due to the pandemic) leaves us with fewer employees than are required to return to full service levels.  Until we can return to full employment, the Southbank Shuttle and 35X (serving NKU) will not have service.”

These routes (Southbank Shuttle and 35X) are seeing less demand for service, due to the route purpose.  The Southbank Shuttle primarily serves riverfront hotels, attractions and stadiums with very limited current use and the 35X serves NKU which is currently operating online.

 

All rides will continue to be fare free in order to continue to allow for passengers to board through rear doors and minimize interaction with the bus operator.  Anyone with a mobility device that requires use of the wheelchair ramp will be able to board through the front door.

COVID-19 Reminders:

 

Passengers are being asked to:

·         stay home if you’re sick

·         wear a face covering if able

·         make use of all opportunities to spread out on the bus while on board

·         be respectful of the other passengers and maintain distance

·         wash your hands before and after using the bus

 

 

TANK Encourages Riders to Wear Face Coverings

In response to COVID-19, the safety of our passengers and drivers is our primary goal at TANK.We encourage everyone to protect themselves by wearing cloth face coverings especially when riding the bus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that face masks could provide some benefit in preventing the spread of the disease.

Visit CDC.gov for more information regarding COVID-19 including instructions on how to make your own mask.

 

TANK Reducing Local Route Schedule Starting Monday 3/23/2020

Due to events related to COVID-19, TANK will be moving to a reduced schedule starting Monday 3/23/2020.  Local routes will operate Sunday service.  Any local route that does not currently run on Sunday will not run at all during this time.  Additionally, TANK will implement back door boarding/exiting and free fares during this time, to promote proper social distancing. 

TANK Reducing Schedule – Effective Monday 3/23/2020

 COVID-19 Update -- TANK Reducing Schedule – Effective Monday 3/23/2020

Local Routes – Sunday Schedule

Some Express Routes will operate – Check Below/Website for Details by route

Rear Boarding with Free Fares Begins

 1.     TRANSIT OPERATIONS:

TANK REDUCED SCHEDULE -Beginning Monday 3/23/2020

 Until further notice, TANK will be operating a reduced “Sunday Plus” schedule.

Routes operating and their level of service are described below. 

 The following TANK Local Routes are operating a SUNDAY Schedule every day:

·         1 Dixie Highway

·         3 Ludlow

·         5 City Heights

·         7 Latonia

·         8 Eastern Avenue

·         12 Bellevue/Dayton

·         16 West Newport/NKU

·         25  Southgate/Alexandria

·         33  Thomas More Parkway/Crestview Hills

·         Southbank Shuttle

 

*Routes #9 Taylor Mill/Independence and #11 Ft. Thomas do not operate Sunday service and will not run during this time.

 Some TANK Express Routes will be operating:

·         2X Airporter – Weekday Schedule will operate 7 days

·         31X Rolling Hills Express – Regular Weekday Schedule Mon-Fri as published – NO CHANGE

·         39X Petersburg Road/South Hebron Express –Sunday Schedule will operate 7 days a week

·         40X Worldwide Blvd/North Hebron Express-- MODIFIED SCHEDULE (available at tankbus.org) 7 days a week 

 

*The 1X, 17X, 18X, 22X, 25X, 28X, 30X, 32X, 35X, 42X do not have Sunday service and will not run until further notice.

 

We ask all passengers to limit non-essential travel on TANK buses to allow for safe travel for those performing essential services in the community.

 

2.    BACK-DOOR BOARDING & FREE RIDES:

 In effort to promote social distancing and provide an additional layer of protection for drivers, TANK will be eliminating front-door access on all buses. This change will begin Monday, March 23.

 TANK is asking riders to enter and exit buses using the back doors only. Passengers are also asked to limit interaction with the driver while on board and maintain appropriate distance.  Passengers with mobility and accessibility requirements will still be allowed to board at the front door. 

 To facilitate this change, TANK will offer free fares during this time. This will remain in effect until further notice.  We will not be offering refunds on passes already purchased and activated -- the free rides are being offered to avoid the need for payment and refunds to occur.

 TANK will continue to provide the public with pertinent and up-to-date information on any service changes, closures, events, and COVID-19 operational updates through our website, app, and social media.

 3.   TANK FACILITIES/ CALL CENTER

The TANK Ft. Wright facility will be closed to the general public beginning Friday 3/20/20.  No schedule information will be available at this location.  Please visit www.tankbus.org for schedules or to “live chat” with an agent (8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Mon-Fri).

 The Call Center “331-TANK” line will be open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

 With these temporary service changes, the Transit app and real time feeds will not accurately reflect trip planning and real time information.  We apologize for this inconvenience. 

 TANK will continue to provide the public with pertinent and up-to-date information on any service changes, closures, events, and COVID-19 operational updates through our website, alert system, the news media and our social media.

TANK COVID-19 Update - 3/16/20

TANK continues to operate all regularly scheduled service. As an essential public service, we are committed to maintaining operations so everyone can access their essential jobs, medical care and essential needs during this unprecedented health situation. 

 We will strive to provide the highest level of service possible based upon the realities of each day going forward. We will do so until we are directed by local, state or federal officials to cease operation.

 Please know that we are taking safety of our customers and employees seriously.  We are disinfecting all commonly touched surfaces on our buses daily- with particular focus on grab-bars, handles, the driver area and the farebox.   This is in addition to personal precautions that we encourage all customers and employees to take to stay healthy. 

 At this time, we encourage all customers to use current standards in hygiene to help protect yourself and those around you from illness.  This includes:

 ·         Stay home when you are sick.

·         Be respectful of personal space on the bus and spread out whenever possible.

·         Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

·         Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

·         Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. 

·         Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

 We appreciate your patience and support as we all face this unprecedented health situation together.

TANK Response to COVID-19 and Impacts

At TANK, our first priority is to keep our employees and customers safe.  

 TANK is closely following updates issued from the Northern Kentucky Health Department, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).  Staff is tracking the guidance of these agencies and are following the latest guidance/science that we have available to us from our local, state and federal health officials related to Coronavirus (COVID-19).

 To assist in protecting our customers and employees, TANK will be disinfecting the driver’s area and customer touchpoints on our buses daily.  This is in addition to personal precautions that we encourage all customers and employees to take to stay healthy. 

 At this time, we encourage all customers to use current standards in hygiene from the agencies above to help protect yourself and those around you from illness.  This includes:

 ·         Stay home when you are sick.

·         Be respectful of personal space on the bus -- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

·         Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

·         Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. 

·         Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

 TANK is also finalizing a preparedness plan to efficiently respond to any changes in operation that may be necessary due to the virus (school closings, staffing levels, etc.).

 Sign up for TANK Alerts https://www.tankbus.org/alerts in order to be alerted to any service changes that may occur due to the virus.  Alerts will come directly to the phone or email you choose as updates are available. 

Thank you for your patience and for being a valued customer!

Hearts R Racing 5K - TANK Detours in Covington Sunday

Local Route Detours in Covington- Sunday 2/9 for 5K

Sunday, February 9 from 10:00 a.m. until approximately 12:30 p.m., due to the Hearts R Racing 5K run/walk-

Regular Service TANK routes-- stops on 4th Street in Covington will be temporarily closed -- customers should use the Covington Transit Center (CTC). 

2X- Stop on 5th at Main in Covington will be termporarily closed -- 2X customers can use 5th & Philadelphia instead.

Southbank Shuttle--  stop at 5th & Johnson will be closed.  Please use the stop at 3rd & Johnson instead.

Service delays are possible.

Cincinnati Cyclones 5K - Saturday, February 1, 2020

From 8:45 a.m. to approximately 12:00 p.m.:

Southbank Shuttle buses will be on detour and not able to use the stop at the Freedom Center or the Yard House at The Banks. Please catch the Southbank Shuttle on Vine at 4th.

Also, the stops (regular and Southbank Shuttle) on the Cincinnati side of the Taylor Southgate Bridge near Heritage Bank Arena will be temporarily closed as the runners/walkers come through.  Check the temporary sign at your stop for details re: where to catch the bus for your route.

RIDER ALERT - ROUTES DELAYED

There are numerous accidents this afternoon AND TANK has put all available resources on the road to help support routes being delayed. We appreciate your patience as we wait for roads to be cleaned up and/or reopened. 

Routes expected to be delayed are route 1 & ALL express routes.

Questions? Call (859) 331-TANK

Thanks for riding with TANK.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day - TANK Service

TANK will be running a regular schedule on Monday, January 20, 2020 and TANK's main office will be open. In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the sales office in Downtown Cincinnati will be closed.

Additionally, any routes traveling 10:15 am-Noon Monday on Vine Street may detour due to the Martin Luther King Jr. Walk from the Freedom Center to Fountain Square.

For more information, call 859-331-8265.

Cincinnati Women’s March – Saturday, January 18

Starting at 12:30 p.m. until around 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 18, some streets in Downtown Cincinnati will be closed due to the Cincinnati Women's March. 

The stops at 4th and Walnut and 4th at Vine will be closed. All riders traveling on any TANK (local or express) or Southbank Shuttle service should catch the bus at 4th Street between Sycamore and Main during this time.

If you have questions, please call (859) 331-TANK.

   

TANK Redesign: Your Voice Matters

There's still time to give your feedback!

So far we've received hundreds of emails, phone calls, direct messages, website chats and had too-many-to-count conversations with members of the community. Don't stop now! We want to hear from YOU about your thoughts on the 2020 TANK System Redesign Proposal.

In fact more specific details, thanks to your great questions, have been added to the website. Be sure to go back and visit www.tankbus.org/redesign. 

Let us know your thoughts by Friday, January 31, 2020.

 

 

 

 

Jingle Bell Run Detour - Saturday, December 14, 2019

Beginning at 9:30 a.m. until the early afternoon on Saturday, December 14, 2019 stops along 3rd Street, Johnson, and RiverCenter in Covington will be temporarily closed due to the Jingle Bell Run. This temporary closure will affect regular service and the Southbank Shuttle. Please check your specific stop for details.

Thank you for riding with TANK!

Stuff the Bus | Saturday, December 7

TANK is proud to partner once again with Remke Markets for this year's STUFF THE BUS event. Join us, Ashley from B-105 and Jolly Old Saint Nick himself as we give back this holiday season.

Shoppers at Remke Markets in Crescent Spring, Kentucky will be able to purchase prepackaged bags of food at checkout and then donate them immediately after. Because just outside the store is where you'll find the TANK holiday bus (to stuff), Santa and his TANK elves!

WHEN: Saturday, December 7, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

WHERE: Remke Markets, 560 Clock Tower Way, Crescent Spring, KY 41017

Non-perishable food donations can be made in advance at our downtown bus stop located at 120 E. 4th Street, Cincinnati Ohio 45202 or at the TANK office in Ft. Wright located at 3375 Madison Pike, Ft. Wright Kentucky 41017. Boxes for donations will also be on select buses. 

All food will support the food pantry at Be Concerned in Covington.

Happy Holidays!