Government Square Transit Center Revitalization Project - Design

The purpose of this solicitation is to identify and engage a qualified team of consultants with expertise in transit facility design and urban space design to lead the evaluation and revitalization of SORTA’s Government Square transit center in downtown Cincinnati. This effort is comprised of two main tasks:

1. Architectural and engineering task : the focus of this task is to evaluate the existing facility and create design concepts that would improve the center for transit customers, transit operations, public safety, and the non-riding public in downtown Cincinnati. This effort does not require the physical expansion of the transit center beyond its existing footprint.

1. Urban space design task : In addition to improving the transit center, the focus of this task is to evaluate and improve how the center fits within the urban space that extends beyond the transit center and how this urban space can be improved to promote public safety and livability. For this task, the consultant will investigate urban design and potential improvements in the areas immediately adjacent to the Government Square transit center.

The consultant will be responsible for evaluating the current facility and the area around it, engaging with stakeholders, and developing comprehensive design plans that improve efficiency, passenger comfort, pedestrian accessibility, and safety. The goal is to improve the walkability and safety of the area around the transit center by creating an attractive, welcoming, livable, and safe downtown environment. It is also important to create a connection for pedestrians and cyclists to access business, government services, restaurants, and performing arts events. The redesign shall incorporate sustainable practices, consider the principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), and support multimodal transportation connections.

The Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (“SORTA”), commonly known as Cincinnati Metro, is a regional transit authority established pursuant to Section 306.30 et seq. of the Ohio Revised Code. As such, SORTA is a political subdivision of the State of Ohio.

SORTA delivers a range of public transportation services, including fixed-route mass transit, paratransit, and micro-transit. Its service area encompasses the City of Cincinnati, Hamilton County, and portions of Butler, Clermont, and Warren Counties.

SORTA operates 48 fixed bus routes, utilizing a fleet of approximately 300 transit buses. In addition, it provides paratransit services with a fleet of 60 vehicles and micro-transit services with 30 vehicles, ensuring accessible and flexible transportation options across the region.