CINCINNATI — Those looking to catch a late-night Uber or Lyft ride to or from Main Street in Over-the-Rhine will now have to walk an extra block or two.
What You Need To Know
- There are new weekend rideshare curfews for drop-offs and pick-ups on Main Street
- The changes are in effect Thursday through Saturday from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.
- City officials believe the rules will improve traffic flow and make the street safer
As of Thursday, the city has several nighttime rideshare zones in the area surrounding Main Street. They're on Central Parkway, Sycamore, 13th, and Liberty Streets. The zones are in effect overnight Thursday through Saturday from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Each zone has a green and blue sign to show riders and drivers they’re in the correct spot.
A map of the affected area is below.
Matthew Hulme, the city’s transit coordinator, said these changes stem from conversations with the Cincinnati Police Department, Main Street residents and businesses in the area.
“This new configuration will benefit passengers and drivers by reducing traffic congestion and improving safety, especially during busy summer nights,” he added.
The new zones mean Uber and Lyft drivers can’t use Main Street for any drop-off or pickup during the curfew periods on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Geofencing technology in the rideshare apps won’t direct or allow drivers to start or finish a trip in those areas. Instead, the app will send them to the zone closest to their passenger’s desired destination.
A person can still call for a rideshare on Main Street during rideshare curfews. But they’ll receive directions to walk to the nearest pickup spot to wait for their ride. Based on a map of the city, walking distances likely won't be more than three blocks.
Because of these changes, the city removed existing zones on Main Street and 12th Street between Main and Sycamore. Hulme said that was to provide “more comprehensive traffic-management and safety solution.”
Council member Mark Jeffreys said City Council didn’t receive a briefing on the plan before the changes were made. But he said he had heard complaints from several Main Street businesses about a lack of adequate rideshare locations.
“Any solution that enables easier drop-offs and pickups is helpful,” he said.
Rideshare zones are common in airports and large venues in cities across the United States to help manage traffic flow and maintain safety. The city also has rideshare zones near The Banks to break up traffic congestion near the stadiums and Freedom Way.
