CINCINNATI –  Gas prices are hitting commuters hard, and Metro is offering a new express option to help westside residents get to work.

On Aug. 21, Metro will introduce the new Rt. 34X Western Hills Express, providing weekday rush-hour express service from Western Hills and Price Hill to and from downtown Cincinnati.

To welcome customers to the new service, the new Rt. 34X Western Hills Express will be free on its first day of service, Monday, Aug. 21.

Rt. 34X Western Hills Express will operate weekdays, with four morning trips arriving downtown between 6:40-8:12 a.m. and four afternoon trips leaving downtown from 3:45-5:15 p.m. 

The new route begins in the Glenway Crossing area, proceeds over Glenway to Overlook, down Overlook to Rapid Run and over Rapid Run back to Glenway.  The route will provide closed-door express service from Glenway and Grand into downtown.  Fare is $1 each way.

The new Rt. 34X Western Hills Express will use Area A of the newly renovated Government Square, which opens on Sunday, Aug. 20.  

Beginning the week of Aug. 20, Metro will also add additional service on the Rt. 33 Glenway Western Hills on Saturdays, in response to increased ridership.

Metro is a non-profit pubic service of the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority, providing about 22 million rides in Greater Cincinnati.