History of Public Transit in Cincinnati

Public transit came to Cincinnati first in 1859. Streetline cars were desgined and implemented in the city. The first street line car pulled by horses.

As technology began to grow and develop, so did public transit. Cincinnati Street Railway began electrifying its streetcar lines replacing horse-drawn cars. This was a big development for the city. At the time, Cincinnati was known for the success of its public transit systems. 

Subway construction halts due to a lack of funds and the onset of the Great Depression. Only a few miles of tunnels and stations were constructed. This marks a turning point for public transit in Cincinnati. Many still point to the failed subway construction as a place of embarrassment and an explanation for why public transit continues to not work.

SORTA was established to oversee public transit operations in the Greater Cincinnati area. This created a unified transit authority for Cincinnati bringing together various transit services. This also enhanced regional connectivity.

A challenge unique to the City of Cincinnati is its hills. This forced planners to make public transit reaching through the hills and elevation changes. The solution to this was inclines. The first incline railway in Mt. Adams began operations bridging the gap for elevated terrain in Cincinnati. This would become one of five functioning inclines in the city.

Planners continued to innovate and develop new strategies for transit expansion. This involved a new subway plan which was proposed and approved. Subway construction begins for the city.

The last streetcar lines in Cincinnati ceased operation. The rise of automobiles and buses contributed to the decline of the streetcar. Individual automobile use became widely popular in the city which led to urban sprawl and white flight for the city. This creates a widespread city producing a problem for connection.

Cincinnati Bell Connector began operations in downtown with an aim to revitalize the city's urban core. The streetcar enhanced connectivity between OTR and Downtown Cincinnati becoming a catalyst for transit oriented development.