Miami Co. Transit rebrands logo, bus wraps
Miami County Transit is working to improve ridership and enhance service.
"In our ongoing commitment to providing reliable and efficient public transportation, we are implementing a culture change that prioritizes customer satisfaction, demand service responsiveness and a revitalized brand identity,” said Sarah Baker, transit director.
“At the heart of our efforts is a transformative culture change within Miami County Transit. We are dedicated to fostering an environment that places our riders’ needs first. This shift involves actively listening to the community, understanding their transportation needs and adapting our services accordingly,” she said. “By engaging with riders and stakeholders, we are committed to creating a transit experience that is not only efficient but also enjoyable.”
The transit service operates a series of buses, many now featuring wraps depicting landmarks from across the county and highlighting what makes the county special, including its agricultural heritage.
The service follows a demand-response format versus a fixed route set up seen with larger transit operations. Last year, it attracted 42,292 rides, up from 41,928 in 2023 and 40,785 in 2022. The county contracts with Transdev to staff and operate the service.
Transit receives a $240,000 contribution annually from Miami County. Other operational funding comes from state and federal grants and ridership revenue. A ride costs $4 one-way with various fare assistance programs available.
Efforts to promote the service, in addition to the new branding effort, include staff making presentations to assisted living facilities and service clubs.
The rebranding includes a modern logo, updated brochures and the bus wraps that are visible throughout the county.
The rebranding has been made possible through an Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) grant. The county was awarded $100,000 from ODOT to use toward branding and marketing. These funds required no match of local money, with no match needed. Transit allocated an additional $61,413.56 to finalize the projects.
The commissioners, in general, have heard good feedback on the wraps, said Michael Clarey, county chief administrative officer.
The designs were done by local artist who goes by the name William III. The last two designs, however, will be photos instead of artwork. “That has always been the plan, so that is certainly not indicative of us not being satisfied with the art. And the final design will be an honor bus featuring American flags and silhouettes of service members from different branches, Clarey said.
More information on Miami County Transit is available at https://www.co.miami.oh.us/187/Transit
MIAMI COUNTY TRANSIT:
General Fare is $4 a Ride One-Way anywhere within the county lines.
The service also offer Fare Assistance Programs:
The White Card Program is funded through Miami County Job and Family Services from Title XX funding. This program is available to individuals, that qualify, below the 150% of the federal poverty guidelines for household income. The program offers 6 one-ways trips FREE, each month, as long as funding is still available. The program is offer October 1 through September 30 each fiscal year. This program is administrated at the Miami County Transit Office.
The Yellow Card Program is funded through Miami County Job and Family Services from Medicaid funding. This program is for free medical appointment transportation. Job and Family Services establishes the qualification requirements and qualifies individuals for the program. Transportation is provided for any location within the county.
The Orange Card Program is funded through Miami County Job and Family Services. This program is for free transportation to jobs and continued education in Miami County. Job and Family Service establishes and qualifies individuals for the program.
The Blue Card Program is funded through Ohio Department of Transportation through the Elderly and Disabled funds. Any individual 60 years of age or permanently disabled qualifies for the program. This program offers half price trips at $2 a one-way trip to anywhere within the county lines to those that qualify. This program is administrated at the Miami County Transit Office.