Blink has officially taken over the streets of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.
The nation's largest art, light and projection-mapping festival returned Oct. 8, bringing more than 80 installations to downtown Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. The festival spans more than 25 blocks and runs nightly, 7-11 p.m., through Oct. 11.
With crowds expected to pack downtown, many visitors are wondering whether the streetcar is operating during Blink.
Here's what to know about how to get around at the festival this year.
Is the streetcar running during Blink?
Yes. The Connector streetcar will operate extended hours during Blink weekend.
The streetcar will run until 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday and until 11 p.m. Sunday, according to an Instagram post from the Cincinnati Department of Transportation
and Engineering.
How much does the streetcar cost?
The Connector streetcar is free to ride.
Cincinnati streetcar route and schedule
The streetcar operates along a 3.6-mile loop connecting The Banks, Downtown and Over-the-Rhine. The route includes 18 stations.
For a full route map and station information, visit cincinnati-oh.gov/streetcar. Riders can also download the Transit appto view real-time streetcar arrivals and schedules.
Other ways to get around Blink Cincinnati
Red Bike is offering a $20 weeklong Blink pass with unlimited two-hour trips, according to a press release. Rideshare options such as Uber and Lyft will also operate during the four-day festival. Free, on-demand electric carts, operated by the Green Easy Safe Transportation (GEST), will move between Covington and Newport during Blink.
Is TANK or Metro operating during Blink?
Yes. Metro, TANK and the Butler County Regional Transit Authority (BCRTA) will offer regular transit and designated Park & Ride services during Blink Cincinnati. Discounted Blink passes are available through the Transit app.
Here's how you can get to Blink:
From the East Side
Use the Metro Park & Ride service available nighty from 6 p.m.-12 a.m. at Crossroads Oakley, 3500 Madison Road.
From the Clifton area
Use the Metro Park & Ride service available nightly from 6 p.m.-midnight at Cincinnati State, 3658 Central Parkway.
From the northern suburbs
Use the Butler County Regional Transit Authority Park & Ride service available nightly from 5:30 p.m.-11 p.m. at the following locations:
- Meijer, 3651 Towne Blvd., Middletown.
- Meijer, 7390 Tylersville Road, West Chester.
From Northern Kentucky
Use TANK, the Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky public bus system. TANK will offer special Blink Park & Ride service from Northern Kentucky University on Friday, Oct. 9, and Saturday, Oct. 10. Regular TANK routes will also operate throughout the festival.
Pedestrians and bicyclists can use the free TANK Licking River Link shuttle, which connects Newport and Covington with stops on both sides of the Licking River.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Is Cincinnati's streetcar running during Blink? Hours, route, schedule
