Author: jkammes

TANK will be offering a FREE shuttle service to the Northern Kentucky Convention Center (NKYCC) to help Flying Pig Marathon participants conveniently travel to and from packet pickup.

The complimentary shuttle will run from 10AM to 6PM, Thursday, May 1st through Saturday, May 3rd. Riders can catch the shuttle at designated TANK stops in downtown Cincinnati, with pick-up and drop-off available at the following locations:

• 5^th & Vine Street
• 5^th & Main Street (Government Square)
• 5^th & Lawrence Street

“We’re excited to support the Flying Pig Marathon by making it as easy as possible for participants to get where they need to be,” said Gina Douthat, TANK general manager. “Our free shuttle will drop runners off right at the front door of the Northern Kentucky Convention Center, so they can pick up their race packets hassle-free.”

“We are so thankful to have wonderful community partners like TANK who will help our participants fly across the Ohio River to begin their Flying Pig journey stress-free at the P&G Health & Fitness Expo,” shared Doug Olberding, Flying Pig CEO.

Additionally, marathon participants living or staying in Newport and Bellevue can take the Southbank Shuttle to the NKYCC for packet pickup for just $2 per trip. You can view the Southbank Shuttle schedule and stops HERE; service runs every 15 minutes. Your drop off spot to get to the Northern Kentucky Convention Center will be at the Covington Transit Center.

You can view all the Flying Pig information on their website HERE

TANK and Kroger Team Up to Benefit TANK Plus Riders

TANK’s mission is to provide affordable access to transportation in our region and addressing barriers to accessing fresh food, which is why we are teaming up with Kroger for a new initiative.

Kroger is collaborating with TANK to give new TANK Plus riders a $5 Kroger store gift card for your first ride on TANK Plus. This will allow residents to make their trip to a Kroger grocery store, with Kroger offsetting the cost of half your trip by way of a $5 Kroger gift card on your first ride. Participants need to book their trip in the app or by phone with our call center, and ride to a Kroger store within our service zone.

Since its launch in August, TANK Plus has been providing on-demand service with convenient curb-to-curb transportation for riders, or connection to a TANK fixed route transfer point.

“We’re excited to reach this six-month milestone and thankful for the continued support of our riders,” said Gina Douthat, TANK general manager. “Thanks to the generous support of Kroger, we’re able to offset the cost of a rider’s first TANK Plus trip while also giving them easier access to fresh food. This is just one of the ways we’re continuing to make transportation easier and more accessible for everyone.”

TANK Plus service is available in designated portions of Campbell County from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Sunday. There are two Kroger stores located within the service area including the Newport Marketplace (130 Pavilion Pkwy.) and the Highland Heights Cold Spring store (70 Martha Layne Collins Blvd.).

“Kroger is proud to team up with TANK to support its on-demand service to increase access to fresh food and essentials for northern Kentucky residents,” said Jenifer Moore, corporate affairs manager for the Cincinnati/Dayton division of Kroger. “This investment is an example of our commitment through our Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative to build strong collaborations in the community as we work to create a hunger-free future.”

The TANK and Kroger gift card promotion runs through August 13, 2025 – which marks the one-year anniversary of TANK Plus’s launch – or while gift cards are still available.

Riders can book their trip by calling 859-331-8265 or through the TANK+ app which is available on Google Play and the App Store.  

To learn more about TANK Plus including fare information and FAQs, visit TANK Plus – Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky

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Terms & Conditions

The TANK Plus Kroger gift card reward is valid through August 13, 2025, or when gift cards are gone. Participants must be new to TANK Plus and make their trip to a Kroger store within our service zone between February 17, 2025, and August 13, 2025. There is a limit of one $5 gift card per household. Please contact us at jkammes@tankbus.org to receive your gift card.

After much internal review and public input, TANK is shifting its focus to using resources to best serve the transit-dependent population in Northern Kentucky, particularly those with no or limited access to personal vehicles, zero-car households, and seniors. Additionally, with limited resources and constrained local funding, we have to do more with less and focus more on our service delivery approach. These changes allow us to connect more unconnected Northern Kentucky neighborhoods and transit-dependent people with fixed-route buses and on-demand transit services. After careful consideration of the feedback received, these service and fare changes will begin on Saturday, March 22nd, 2025.

The changes taking effect are two-fold: Service Changes and Fare Increase

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Service Changes:

The service changes taking effect on March 22, 2025 are listed below:

Route Eliminations (17X, 22X, 32X, 61, 62):

17x – Alternative route for riders: 30x from the Ft Wright Hub

22x – Alternative route for riders: 42x from the Florence Hub

32x – Alternative route for riders: 42x from the Florence Hub OR 39x from the Limaburg Rd Park and Ride

Why:

Since the pandemic, as the nature of working downtown has changed, the nature of transit ridership has changed, particularly on downtown express routes. These routes cater more to people who commute to downtown Cincinnati but have suffered chronically low ridership since 2020. TANK is attempting to consolidate express routes, opening up resources that can help make other services more efficient. Nearby alternatives exist for current riders of these routes to get to and from their job’s downtown, as shown above.

61 – Riders of the 61 can ride Route 5 to St. Elizabeth Hospital in Covington. A stop at St. Elizabeth used to exist on the 5 but was removed when the 61 was created; that stop will be restored so people can still access the hospital.

62 – TANK will be working with CVG to develop an alternative solution for riders to navigate the CVG campus

Why:

Due to their purpose and layout, these routes are more limited in scope and thus have very low ridership.

Route Adjustments:

Route 42x – In response to feedback collected during the public comment period, 3 additional morning and evening “Park-and-Ride Only” trips will be added to this route. These trips will run directly from the Florence Hub to downtown Cincinnati in the mornings, and from Cincinnati directly to the Florence Hub in the evenings. Preview the upcoming schedule HERE (this schedule goes into effect 3/22/25).

Additional changes to the 42x include:

• In Florence, this route will now begin and end at the Turfway at Drexel and Turfway at Lloyd stops
• All trips will be moved back 15 minutes compared to the current schedule to allow for easier transfers in downtown Cincinnati

Southbank Shuttle – Downtown Cincinnati routing will change so that the Shuttle only runs on 2^nd and 3^rd streets in Cincinnati. All stops north of 3^rd Street and in the Banks will be removed. Preview the upcoming schedule HERE (this schedule goes into effect 3/22/25).

• A stop on 2^nd Street will be added outside of the Freedom Center, at the corner of Vine and 2nd. The stop on 3^rd and Main will stay where it is. 

• The stop at Broadway and Pete Rose (headed south to Newport) will be moved around the corner onto the 2^nd Street ramp (next to the Reds Stadium/Central Riverfront Garage). 
• The LL ramp will not be converted back to a double left turn, because of this we will need to remove the Broadway at Pete Rose stop

Route 5 – The stop at St. Elizabeth in Covington will be restored to Route 5, from 8AM-8PM Monday-Friday. Preview the upcoming schedule HERE (this schedule goes into effect 3/22/25).

Route 30X – The weekend AM trip will now pick up in downtown Cincinnati at 6:45am (instead of 7:20) and arrive at Taylor Farms at 7:15am (instead of 7:50). Preview the upcoming schedule HERE (this schedule goes into effect 3/22/25).

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Fare Increase to $2.00 on Saturday, March 22, 2025:

TANK, like most transit agencies, received an injection of federal funding at the beginning of the Covid pandemic, but those funds will be depleted in the next couple of years. TANK has not raised fares in over 15 years, but as a result of increased costs, limited increases in local funding, and the loss of federal operating dollars, fares will be increased to $2.00 on Saturday, March 22nd, 2025 to assist TANK with generating operating funding to continue to provide vital transit services to Northern Kentucky. Reduced fares will be $1.00 for all routes. All other fares not listed – including Metro/TANK Passes – will remain the same.

However, frequent riders will be able to save more money soon, with the start of TANK’s new account-based ticketing program coming later in 2025. TANK is working with Metro on an account-based ticketing (ABT) program which will allow frequent riders who are unable to purchase a monthly pass each month the ability to ‘pay their way’ to a monthly pass. Once a rider has purchased enough single rides (within the span of a single month) to cover the cost of a monthly pass, they will be able to ride for the remainder of the month at no cost.

TANK, Metro, Butler Co. Regional Transit Authority (BRCTA) and BLINK® are making it easier to experience the nation’s largest immersive light and art show with fare-free rides and direct access from Park and Ride locations to this year’s immersive art experience. In 2022, BLINK, illuminated by ArtsWave, successfully worked with TANK and Metro to provide nearly 185,000 free rides during the festival.

“This partnership is a win for everyone, in convenience, cost and energy efficiency,” said Justin Brookhart, Executive Director of BLINK. “We like to say ‘Don’t BLINK and drive,’ because this festival is meant to be experienced walking through the streets of downtown and NKY. Free rides from Metro and TANK make that easier, and enhance the BLINK experience for everyone.”  

Metro and TANK will offer fare-free rides beginning at 6 p.m., October 17-20. All rides on both transportation networks, including direct routes to BLINK, will be free. Direct routes to BLINK will be available via Park and Ride locations. These Park and Ride locations will drop attendees off at the Riverfront Transit Center for both Metro and TANK. BCRTA’s CincyLink will shuttle attendees from Park and Rides to the Riverfront Transit Station, from 5:30-11pm each night of BLINK.

“TANK is excited for the return of BLINK and our partnership to provide bus service to this amazing art experience for the people in Northern Kentucky,” said TANK General Manager Gina Douthat. “BLINK is best enjoyed as a pedestrian, which is why we want to encourage people to leave their cars at home and navigate the event on foot. To make it an experience that everyone in our community can enjoy, TANK will provide free rides on all services on the evenings of the event.”

“BLINK is a one-of-a-kind event that highlights the incredible offerings of the Cincinnati region, and Metro is proud to be a part of it,” said Brandy Jones, Metro’s Chief Communications and Marketing Officer. “Now with 24-hour service, increased frequency and more weekend service, in addition to the park and ride shuttles, connecting to BLINK on Metro has never been easier and more convenient.”

“BCRTA is excited to provide a ‘Link to BLINK’ for Butler County residents,” said Shawn Cowan, Director of Customer Care and Communications at BCRTA. “This marks the first opportunity for us to participate in such a major event, and we are eager to see its impact. The success of this initiative will serve as a key indicator of our ability to continue offering special transportation services for future events in downtown Cincinnati. We look forward to making these events accessible to our community and enhancing regional connectivity.”

Full Details for TANK:

Beginning at 6 p.m. all TANK services, including the Friday and Saturday evening direct Park & Ride bus service for BLINK, will be free of charge, for all 4 nights of BLINK.

Park & Ride at Northern Kentucky University (Lots K, L, M)

Available ONLY Friday, October 18th and Saturday, October 19th

• TANK will have promotional giveaways, music, refreshments, and fun at NKU as people wait for their bus to leave. 
• Service begins each night at NKU at 6 p.m. Last trip from NKU to RTC is at 9 p.m.
• Bus makes no stops in between and goes straight to the Riverfront Transit Center.
• Beginning at 9 p.m. each night, buses will ONLY provide return transportation from the Riverfront Transit Center and drop off at NKU (no pick-ups).
• Buses will operate from the Riverfront Transit Center back to the park and ride for drop offs until 11 p.m. each night.
• TANK staff will be on-hand at Northern Kentucky University, Covington Transit Center and the Riverfront Transit Center to assist with information, wayfinding and general help.

The Southbank Shuttle will be on a detour for all 4 nights of BLINK after 6PM and will not be servicing the normal Southbank street stops. Instead, the Southbank Shuttle will connect BLINK goers with a stop in Newport at 3rd and York, a stop in Covington at the Covington Transit Center, and a stop at the Riverfront Transit Center for anyone wanting to experience BLINK on both sides of the river.

Local Fixed Route Bus Routes: All local TANK service will operate as scheduled, with this exception – bus service in Cincinnati will be limited after 6 p.m. and will operate only to the Riverfront Transit Center after 6 p.m. No “on street” service will be provided in Cincinnati by TANK after 6 p.m. for the duration of the BLINK event.

Full Details for Metro:

• All Metro Fixed-Route service will be free between 6 pm.-12:30 a.m. and Access service will be free until 2 a.m.
• Due to street closures, Government Square will close nightly at 6:00 p.m. and service will be relocated to the Riverfront Transit Center until 12:30 a.m.
• Park and Ride service begins at 6 p.m; return service concludes at 12:30 a.m.
• Park and Rides will feature promotional giveaways and DJs to kick off the BLINK festivities.
• Vehicles are not permitted to be left overnight at park and ride locations.

Other Metro Service Information

• The Government Square information booth will be staffed from 5 p.m. – 1 a.m. nightly during the event.
• The Metro Customer Care Center (513-621-4455) will remain open until midnight nightly during the event.
• Metro staff will be on-hand at Cincinnati State, Crossroads and the Riverfront Transit Center to assist with information, wayfinding and general assistance.

Full Details for Butler Co. Regional Transit Authority:

CincyLink will offer free transportation from October 17 to October 20 from the above Park and Ride locations. The CincyLink Blink shuttle will start at 5:30pm and run hourly until 11:00pm. The service will be a direct route from Butler County to the Riverfront Transit Station.

Download Press Release Here

In 2020, TANK embarked on a system redesign to provide more frequent and reliable service, focusing on the travel patterns of our riders in the years leading up to those changes. Since 2020, much has changed for our region. These post-pandemic changes evolved rapidly and have affected where people live, where people work, and how people travel in their day-to-day lives.

In order for TANK to keep up with our riders’ needs, we had to look at how these shifts related to public transit. We took every opportunity to learn about our customers and our region’s employers to better understand if our current services are working or what we may need to adjust to better meet these changing demands. Additionally, with limited resources and constrained local funding, we have to do more with less and focus more on our service delivery approach.

After much internal review, TANK is shifting its focus to using resources to best serve the transit-dependent population in Northern Kentucky, particularly those with no or limited access to personal vehicles, zero-car households, and seniors. As such, the proposed changes to TANK’s service align with this vision. These changes allow us to connect more unconnected Northern Kentucky neighborhoods and transit-dependent people with fixed-route buses and on-demand transit services.

The changes being proposed are two-fold: Service Changes and Fare Increase

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Service Changes:

What are the proposed changes?

Route Eliminations (17X, 22X, 32X, 61, 62):

17x – Alternative route to use, can ride the 30x from the Ft Wright Hub

22x – Alternative route to use, can ride the 42x from the Florence Hub

32x – Alternative route to use, can ride the 42x from the Florence Hub OR 39x from the Limaburg Rd Park and Ride

Why:

Since the pandemic, as the nature of working downtown has changed, the nature of transit ridership has changed, particularly on downtown express routes. These routes cater more to people who commute to downtown Cincinnati but have suffered chronically low ridership since 2020. TANK is attempting to consolidate express routes, opening up resources that can help make other services more efficient. Nearby alternatives exist for current riders of these routes to get to and from their job’s downtown, as shown above.

61 – Riders of the 61 can ride Route 5 to St. Elizabeth Hospital in Covington. A stop at St. Elizabeth used to exist on the 5 but was removed when the 61 was created; that stop will be restored so people can still access the hospital.

62 – TANK will be working with CVG to develop an alternative solution for riders to navigate the CVG campus

Why:

Due to their purpose and layout, these routes are more limited in scope and thus have very low ridership.

Route Adjustments:

Route 5 – As mentioned above, the stop at St. Elizabeth in Covington will be restored to Route 5. In addition, due to the closing of the City Heights apartment complex in Ft. Wright, this route will no longer be stopping there.

Routes 1 & 25—The 1 and 25 routes will be unlinked. Due to their layout and length, as well as their high ridership, unlinking them will help improve their on-time performance, making them more reliable for more riders.

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Fare Increase to $2.00 in 2025:

TANK, like most transit agencies, received an injection of federal funding at the beginning of the Covid pandemic, but those funds will be depleted in the next couple of years. TANK has not raised fares in over 15 years, but as a result of increased costs, limited increases in local funding, and the loss of federal operating dollars, fares need to be increased to $2.00 in 2025 to assist TANK with generating operating funding to continue to provide vital transit services to Northern Kentucky. Reduced fares would be $1.00 for all routes.

However, frequent riders will be able to save more money soon, with the start of TANK’s new account-based ticketing program. TANK is working with Metro on an account-based ticketing (ABT) program which will allow frequent riders who are unable to purchase a monthly pass each month the ability to ‘pay their way’ to a monthly pass. Once a rider has purchased enough single rides (within the span of a single month) to cover the cost of a monthly pass, they will be able to ride for the remainder of the month at no cost.

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We know these proposed changes have an impact on our riders, and we want to hear your feedback. Here’s how you can contribute.

Attend one of our public meetings:

When: October 3, 2024 | 5:30 – 7:30PM

Where: Boone County Public Library – Florence Branch (7425 US Highway 42)

This event will be Open House style. Stop in any time during the 2 hours to review these changes, ask our team questions, and provide your feedback. Food will be served.

When: October 7, 2024 | 5:30 – 7:30PM

Where: Kenton County Public Library – Covington Branch (502 Scott Street)

This event will be Open House style. Stop in any time during the 2 hours to review these changes, ask our team questions, and provide your feedback. Food will be served.

Can’t attend one of our public meetings? Share your feedback online here:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2025servicechanges

or call 859-331-8265 to speak to a TANK customer service representative

Any comments or feedback MUST be received no later than 10/25/24 in order for the feedback to be considered.

Downtown Cincinnati will close at 6pm on Sunday, September 1st for Riverfest. No TANK service after 6PM in Cincinnati.  We will have sweeper buses with operators/supervisors at 6PM that will service all bus stops in Cincinnati.

All Southbank Trolleys will end service at 6:00pm on Sunday, September 1st, and will resume service on Monday morning.

ALL detours begin at 6:00pm. Bus stop closure signs will be posted at all bus stops affected directing customers where to access their routes.

City of Newport, all roads between 17^th Street (North) to the Ohio River and Washington Ave (West) to the Licking River (East) will be closed.

City of Covington, all roads between 5^th Street (North) to the Ohio River and from the Veterans Bridge (4^th Street) to Johnson Street are closed. The CTC will also be closed at 6PM.

No service to Downtown Cincinnati beginning at 6PM, Clay Wade Bailey and Taylor Southgate Bridges will be closed at 6PM

All exits ramps on I75 and I471 in Cincinnati will also be closed.

Due to CTC being closed, ALL routes will use Scott and 6^th Streets as a temporary CTC by Lee’s Chicken

All Newport customers from 17^th Street (North) to the Ohio river will need to access routes below:

Due to Downtown Newport being closed, all customers will need to access the route 12 at 6^th and Washington Ave (Newport)

Due to Downtown Newport being closed, all customers will need to access the routes 16 and 25 at Carothers and Monmouth Streets (Newport)

All customers that use the Downtown Cincinnati, CTC, & 4^th Street in Covington. Routes 1, 2x, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 16, 25, 39x, 40x, and 42x will need to access routes below:

Scott and 6^th Streets by Lee’s Chicken

No service in Downtown Cincinnati

TANK Plus begins operation on Tuesday, August 13, 2024

Campbell County – On Tuesday, 8/13/2024 TANK will hold a kick-off Service Launch & Ribbon Cutting event at 10 a.m. to celebrate the introduction of Microtransit service to the Northern Kentucky community.

TANK Plus will be launching on Tuesday, August 13, with a Ribbon Cutting event at the Campbell County Senior Center from 10:00 AM-10:30 AM. Representatives from Campbell County Fiscal Court, various Campbell County cities, TANK and other community organizations will be on hand to launch the service.

What is TANK Plus? TANK Plus is a flexible, on-demand way to get around, curb-to-curb within a designated zone, or to connect to the TANK fixed route network for travel outside of the zone. Microtransit is designed to provide transit in areas of low-density that do not have access to fixed route bus service. TANK is introducing this service model in Campbell County as a year-long pilot. The service will provide critical mobility to medical facilities, school and basic necessities like fresh food and groceries for many Campbell County residents.

“In recent years, we’ve seen significant changes in how our residents live and travel, with many seniors choosing to stay in their homes longer but facing challenges with driving,” said Campbell County Judge/Executive Steve Pendery. “TANK Plus addresses these challenges by offering on-demand, curb-to-curb service that connects residents in Newport, Southgate, Cold Spring, Highland Heights, Melbourne, and Silver Grove to vital services such as grocery stores, medical facilities, and more, ensuring they have the mobility they need.”
Media Contact Campbell County Fiscal Court Justin Otto 859-547-1806 jotto@campbellcountyky.gov

Transit needs have changed in recent years and using an on-demand service model to meet mobility needs is something TANK has been investigating for some time.

“We are excited to be able to bring transit service to communities that have not, in some cases, had public transit services in more than a decade. TANK is focusing resources in a new way with TANK Plus, providing direct, affordable, on-demand transit right to the communities and people that need it.” – Gina Douthat, GM

TANK’s Board of Directors is committed to testing new service models and exploring ways to better use technology to provide services. TANK Plus will provide accessible, on-demand, local service for anyone within the designated zones.

“The TANK Board remains steadfast in its dedication to serving those in our community who need our services most. Microtransit represents our solution for reaching individuals in Campbell County areas where fixed transit routes aren’t viable due to low density,” said Gina Rittinger, Chair of the TANK Board of Directors. “We are eager to see how this pilot program benefits our community.”

Learn more here: TANK Plus – Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky (tankbus.org)

Service Hours:
Monday-Sunday from 9AM-5PM
Fare Information:
Traveling curb-to-curb within the zone is $5.00 per trip
Traveling from your zone to a designated fixed route transfer point is $2.50 per trip (Full bus fare will apply for fixed route trips)
Fixed Route Transfer Points:

• Covington Transit Center
• Monmouth @ Carothers Bus Stop
• St. Elizabeth-Ft. Thomas Bus Stop
• Lakeside Dorms NKU Bus Stop

TANK is proud to announce a new program for all U.S. military personnel, past and present! Designed to honor the service of our nation’s heroes, TANK is introducing a reduced fare program for Veterans and Active-Duty military members.

Our director of operations, John Young, highlights our commitment to support those who have sacrificed for our country saying, “As a veteran, I am honored and appreciative of TANK’s “tip of the cap” to veterans and active-duty military personnel. Less than 1% of Americans serve in the armed services, so this is a truly special segment of our population and worthy to be honored.“

Starting August 1st, 2024, veterans and active-duty military members with valid identification will receive reduced fare rates on all TANK bus routes. TANK commends your bravery and courage. Honoring those who have served by providing more affordable and accessible transportation. Thank you for your service.

Learn more and apply for the program HERE

TANK will not provide special service from NKU for the 2024 Riverfest fireworks event. TANK is taking 2024 to connect more unconnected NKY neighborhoods with transit and transit on-demand (TANK+), and our operator focus is on ensuring we provide exceptional and reliable service to those who need us the most in their day-to-day lives.

While we won’t be providing Riverfest service this year to focus on these efforts, regular bus service to Covington will be available on select routes throughout the afternoon and evening, depending on city road closures and impacts.  Specific route detour information will be available closer to the event.

Thank you!

TANK is launching it’s all new First Ride Club for kids on November 10th, 2023, and it’s free to participate! Joining the First Ride Club comes with a your very own first ride certificate and a TANK swag pack of items.

All you need to do is send us a photo of your little one’s first ride, on the bus or at the stop, to jkammes@tankbus.org, or tag us on Facebook. We will reach out for your address, and your First Ride Club kit will arrive in the mail, or you can pick up your kit from our Ft. Wright office located at 3375 Madison Pike in Ft. Wright, KY.