The Metro Bus Service has a Veterans Program that provides half-price fares for veterans and active-duty personnel. Through a partnership with the Hamilton County Veterans Service Commission veterans and active-duty personnel can also ride to their VA medical appointments on all fixed-route buses for FREE.

One can Apply for the Metro Veterans Program Card (also known as the “MVP Card”) by completing the MVP Reduced Fare Application. You can download it from their website or call them at 513-632-7540 to request one to be mailed to you. Note that if you already have a Metro Fare Deal card, you do not need to apply for an MVP card, as the savings are the same.

When applying for the MVP Card, in addition to the application, you will need to show a state-issued photo ID, with birthdate, and proof of veteran or active-duty status. Any of the following documents are accepted as proof of your status: a Veteran’s Identification Card issued by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs; a Driver’s License or State Identification Card with veteran status listed on it; a Department of Defense Form 214 (Verification of Military Service) with one of the following designations of service: General, General under Honorable, Honorable Discharge; or you can alternatively show a United States Veteran Document Identification Card issued by Hamilton County as proof of eligibility, in which case an additional state ID is not required.

Once you have completed the application, you bring your current state-issued photo ID that shows your date of birth to the Metro Fare Deal Office, along with your proof of veteran or active-duty status. Your photo for the MVP ID card will be taken there once you’ve shown these documents. The Metro Fare Deal Office is located in Silverton at 7000 Montgomery Road. The office is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:15 AM to 4 PM, closed noon to 1 PM for lunch. You can ride the Route 4 Kenwood or Blue Ash bus, or the Route 90 Metro Plus bus to get there.

If you prove your eligibility by showing a federally issued veteran or active duty ID, your MVP card may be issued to you the same day. If you prove your eligibility by supplying a DD Form 214, your MVP cared will be mailed to you within 21 days. Your MVP card is good for five years before renewal is required. 

MVP Monthly Unlimited Ride Stickers

Each month you can additionally buy a MVP sticker for unlimited rides. The sticker cost $40 and can be a significant cost savings if you are a frequent rider. You can purchase the sticker by mail, phone, or in person.

TO ORDER BY PHONE, call 513-632-7591.

TO PURCHASE BY MAIL, send a copy of your completed application and supporting documents with check or money order payable to SORTA to the following address: Metro Access, 1801 Transpark Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45229-1239.

TO PURCHASE IN PERSON, visit either the Metro Fare Deal Office, located at 7000 Montgomery Road, or the Metro Sales Office, located at 120 East 4th Street Downtown across from Government Square. The Metro Fare Deal Office is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:15 AM to 4 PM, closed noon to 1 PM for lunch. You can ride the Route 4 Kenwood or Blue Ash bus, or the Route 90 Metro Plus bus to get there. The Metro Sales Office is open weekdays 7 AM to 5:30 PM. You can ride any downtown Metro route to get there. All Metro offices are closed for major holidays.

Stickers are valid for the calendar month only, not 30 days from when you purchase your sticker. Stickers are available between the 15th of the previous month and the 10th of the current month. For example, you could get a December sticker between November 15th and December 10th.

Once approved you will receive an MVP Card. This “tap and show” smart card allows you to ride the Metro for half fare. Just tap your smart card on the target image of the farebox, show it to the driver and pay the amount shown on the farebox.

You can learn more about the Metro Veterans Program on the Metro’s website.

You can find more transportation and veteran resources by selecting the “Transportation” and or “Veteran Resources” category tab on our Social Service “Utilization Library” page.