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UC Metro riders now need special card

If you’re one of the many people out there who have been taking advantage of UC/Metro fare deal that allows University of Cincinnati students, faculty and staff to ride Metro for free then you will find this of interest. The program has been so successful that they are making some changes to better track usage and prevent abuse.

All you have to do currently is flash your valid UC ID to ride. This will only work until October 19th; at that point you will have to use the special card to continue riding for free. You can get the special card by logging in to your UC account and providing some basic information (name, address, etc). Metro will then mail you your fare card within three business days and you’ll be all set to continue riding Metro for free.

The cards will function on a quarterly basis that corresponds with the UC quarter system. That means those who get their cards for this Fall Quarter will be able to use them until January 10, 2009 and then have to reapply for a Winter Quarter card. You can learn more about the program and its changes on Metro’s website.

Metro is currently working on a new fare system that will replace the 12-16 year old fare system that is currently used. Colin Groth, Community/Government Relations Manager at Metro, said the new system is still under development and will hopefully be running with the next year or so, but cautioned that funding is an issue.

The new system will feature ‘smart cards’ that will allow users to deposit funds and will automatically deduct those funds when the card is scanned for use. It is something that could be purchased at local stores and possibly linked with user’s banking accounts. It will be a proxy card system that will only require users to wave their card as they get on the bus.

Also new, Metro will be linked into GoogleTransit by the end of the year. This will allow users to go onto GoogleMaps and get directions the same way they always do. What this means is that users will have an option in addition to the walk or car options currently available on GoogleMaps for Cincinnati. Watch a quick YouTube video on how to use the map feature here.

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News

Taking out the trash

Today I was driving north along Jefferson, around 1:40pm, when I looked to my right and saw an overflowing city trash can at the NE corner of Charlton and Jefferson (GoogleMap). There was trash flowing over the edges of the can and spilled all around the ground next to it. At that time I remembered that just a couple weeks ago I saved the phone number for reporting such cases into my cell phone.

I called the number – 513.591.6000 – and reported the situation to a very friendly person on the other end. She asked the location and said she would enter it into the system and have a crew get to it as soon as possible. I later drove back by that trash can about 4 hours later and the problem was solved.

Not only was the trash can cleaned, but so was the previously trashed ground around the can. As a result I would like to thank/commend the City for such great service. It was prompt and thorough and is a service that everyone should take advantage of. City workers only have so many eyes, so a simple phone call to tip them off goes a long way.

Something I have seen and read about before are these solar powered trash cans that automatically compact trash, hold larger amounts and automatically alert workers when cans need to emptied. The Cincinnati Park Board already uses these cans in some of the City’s parks, but it is something that should be examined for high traffic areas around the city. It’s one of those situations where the upfront costs are higher, but is well worth it in the long run. They are attractive, hold more trash, automatically compact the trash (using solar power) and alert City workers when they are approaching a full state effectively preventing any messy situations from happening in the first place.

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News

Lofts at Fountain Square offer space, convenience

I finally got my first look at the nearly complete Lofts at Fountain Square. We all know that the location is second to none as Fountain Square is essentially your front yard and you’re within a stones throw of the region’s most unique shopping, dining and entertainment.

In addition to the location the units are some of the most spacious I have seen in Downtown. The smallest unit starts at 725 square feet with the penthouse unit boasting 2,500 square feet of living space. Most of the units, however, are around 1,500 square feet with several offering skylights and french balconies overlooking Vine Street and Fountain Square. Almost 1/3 of the 18 units have already sold and will have their owners moving in shortly. The remaining units available range from $210,000 – $795,000 (penthouse).

All units come standard with 1 parking space across the street at the Westin Hotel, hardwood floors, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, storage spaces in building, high speed internet access and the always popular 10 year tax abatement.

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News

Segway store coming to Over-the-Rhine

The Gateway Quarter has just signed their latest retail tenant. Segway will be opening up their 6th Ohio location and 2nd Cincinnati area store at 1150 Vine Street (directly across from Park+Vine).

The store will be selling the Segway Personal Transporter (PT) which generally cost around $5,000 – $6,000. The Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Device (EPAMD) is a “self-balancing, non-tandem, two-wheeled device that can turn in place, transports only one person, with an electric propulsion system averaging less than one horsepower, and travels less than 12.5 miles per hour.” The ‘green’ transporters produce zero emissions and can travel up to 24 miles on a single charge.

Segways are treated the same as pedestrians and bicyclists and should not be taken on the road with vehicular traffic. You can currently find several police forces around the area using these devices. They generally fit through doorways and are great urban transporters.

The OTR store could be open in as little as 30 days since minor finishes are needed in the new retail spaces created by the Gateway Building. The store will also be renting Segways and offering rent-to-own programs for those looking to buy a Segway. Segway also offers tours with one Cincinnati area tour (PDF) operating in Eden Park. The opening on this OTR store could be the jumpstart for a Segway tour through historic Over-the-Rhine and/or Downtown – stay tuned.

Also be sure to check them out during the Downtown Tour of Living as Segway will have Segway PTs on display and available for test runs at the Gateway Quarter parking lot at 12th & Vine.

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Arts & Entertainment News

Music festivals plentiful as thousands of UC students start classes

Tomorrow tens of thousands of students will return to classes at the University of Cincinnati.  Some of those students have been on a three-month school hiatus possibly traveling, working, or even doing absolutely nothing at all.  Others might have been busy filing their transfer paperwork or readying their applications and social skills for their first introduction to college life.

Each year this week comes along and each year it seems to bring with it the endless possibilities of the academic year to come.  The frisbees come out, political demonstrations and engagement activities begin, and the first groans over the cost of textbooks are heard.  This year is no different, but in addition to this, the first week of classes is also well known for its host of social activities.

Tomorrow UC students will be greeted with the Launch Music Festival presented by Bearcast Radio and 51three (new Cincinnati urban lifestyle magazine).  The day-long Indie festival will feature a diverse collection of local and regional independent artists.  There will be different artists hourly from noon – 7pm, and will also have several artists that will also be performing at this week’s MidPoint Music Festival.

On Friday there will be the 7th annual Bearcat Live! concert.  This free concert starts at 7pm on UC’s Sigma Sigma Commons will feature We the Living, July for Kings and headliner Blessid Union of Souls.  Both Launch Music Festival and Bearcat Live! are free events to the UC community.

Also starting on Thursday and running through Saturday is the highly anticipated MPMF that will feature three days of Indie music at a number of Downtown venues.  So while everyone is getting serious about their studies be sure to take advantage of the many music opportunities for you this week.