Cincinnati State provides a variety of parking and transportation options for its students, faculty, and staff. The College strives to use its available parking resources for the benefit of students, employees, and visitors by ensuing that parking areas are safe and well-maintained, and by promoting transit, cycling, ride-sharing, and other alternatives.
Metro Discount
Cincinnati State and Cincinnati Metro have partnered to offer students bus travel at significantly discounted rates. For $1, Cincinnati State students can ride any Metro bus route, at any time, to any place Metro travels. Students must have a valid SurgeCard (ID card) to obtain a Metro discount card. To get a discount card, log into MyCState, choose MyServices, and click on the Metro Discount Card link under Transportation/Parking.
Parking Facilities (Clifton Campus)
Note: Parking fees on Clifton Campus have been waived during the pandemic but may be reinstated in the future.
Central Parkway Garage: Central Parkway Garage is a covered parking facility, accessible from Central Parkway, designated for students, visitors, faculty, and staff. The fee for using the Central Parking Garage is $5 per use (using cash, credit, or debit) or unlimited use with a valid semester parking privilege (ProxCard).
Ludlow Garage: Ludlow Avenue Garage is a covered parking facility, accessible from Ludlow Avenue, designated for students, faculty, and staff. The fee for using the Ludlow Parking Garage is $5 per use (using cash, credit, or debit), or unlimited use with a valid semester parking privilege (ProxCard).
Lot A: Lot A is located off of College Drive and is reserved for faculty, staff, and contractors only. Employees must use their ProxCard for entry and exit.
Lot C: Lot C is a daily rate and term privilege facility, accessible from Ludlow Avenue. The fee for using Lot C is $5 per use (cash, credit, or debit) or unlimited use with a valid semester parking privilege (ProxCard).
Lot D: Lot D is located at the top of College Drive near the Main Building, and is reserved for faculty and staff only. Employees must use their ProxCard for entry and exit.
Motorcycle/Bicycle Parking Areas: Motorcycle parking is permitted in only one location, near the Main Building, at the top of College Drive. All motorcycles must be registered with the College's Police Department.
Bicycles must be secured to a bicycle rack; one is located by the entrance to the Ludlow Garage, another near the loading dock for the Main Building. Bicycles should not be chained to trees or light poles.
Drop-off/Pick-up Area: Parking spaces not otherwise marked reserved for staff or specific individuals may be used for motorists to drop off or pick up passengers. Motorists must remain with their vehicle at all times.
Parking Regulations
The regulations in this section were developed by the Cincinnati State Police Department, and approved by the College administration in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code. Questions about parking should be directed to the Campus Police Department at (513) 569-1558.
Emergencies: Individuals who need assistance from Campus Police should call (513) 569-1558. Emergency phones are located on the Clifton Campus near the parking areas and in the garages. These phones are monitored by Campus Police 24 hours a day, with assistance from campus police dispatch services at the University of Cincinnati.
Campus Police officers are available to assist students, employees, and visitors who accidentally lock their keys in the car, need a jump start, or need air for low or flat tires. Contact the Police Department at (513) 569-1558 for assistance.
Citation Procedure: College parking regulations are enforced by Campus Police. Any violations can result in a citation. Ignorance of College parking policy is not an excuse for operating or parking in violation.
- College citations must be paid or appealed within 10 business days from the date of issue. After that time, the ability to appeal is lost.
- Any citation not paid or appealed within 10 business days of issue will double in cost, and the vehicle involved is subject to impoundment.
- After 30 days from issue, unpaid citations are automatically added to the student’s account.
- Repeated or serious violations could result in loss of campus parking privileges, towing of vehicle, and/or impoundment at the owner’s expense.
Citations are payable at the Cashier’s Office or by mail to: Cincinnati State, Cashier’s Office, 3520 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45223.
Cincinnati State Police Officers may also issue state citations that are paid at the Hamilton County Justice Center.
Citation Appeal Procedure: Any ticket issued by Campus Police can be appealed by filling out the appeal form available from the Campus Police Department in the Main Building (Clifton Campus). The form must be completed and submitted within 10 business days after the ticket was issued. The findings of the Appeal Committee are final.
Handicapped Parking: Handicapped-accessible parking spaces are provided on all levels of both parking garages on Clifton Campus and in parking lots on Clifton Campus. These spaces are lined in blue and are adjacent to garage elevators or near buildings. To use these spaces:
- A valid state-issued handicapped placard must be displayed.
- A Cincinnati State semester parking permit must be purchased (as applicable).
Parking designated as accessible is reserved for that purpose only, at all times, including on weekends and in the evening. The Public Safety Department enforces this rule by issuing citations to violators and towing repeat offenders as deemed necessary.
To report a violation and/or vehicles blocking handicapped-accessible spaces, contact the Public Safety Dispatch Center by phone at (513) 569-1558 or by email at cincinnatistatepolice@cincinnatistate.edu.
The maps below depict the locations of accessible parking at each Cincinnati State campus:
Liability: Cincinnati State assumes no responsibility for theft or damage to vehicles parked on College property.
Parking Permit: The purchase of a parking permit (Prox Card) does not guarantee the availability of a parking space and does not justify parking against College policy.
Reserved Parking: Some parking spots in Lot D are reserved for specific faculty and staff members and are marked with the individual’s last name, either on an adjacent wall or on the parking stop at the front of the spot. These spots are reserved Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Parking in a reserved spot during these hours will result in a parking citation. (Note: The College has discontinued the practice of reserved parking and does not issue new reserved parking spots to faculty and staff.)
Visitor Parking: Paid visitor parking is available in the Central Parkway and Ludlow Garages or in Lot C-1. These lots can be used by students registering for classes or visiting campus.
Clifton Hills Residential Parking Ordinance: On-street parking in the Clifton Hills neighborhood adjoining the Cincinnati State Clifton Campus is governed by a City of Cincinnati residential permit parking ordinance. Those who park in this area without a residential parking sticker on their vehicle are at risk for a $50 parking ticket. The cost of that ticket doubles if the fine is not paid within seven days; a second offense within a year becomes a Class B Civil Offense carrying a $100 fine.
These parking restrictions apply between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. to Clifton Hills Avenue, Clifton Crest Terrace, and Clifton Hills Terrace, as well as portions of Ludlow Avenue and Old Ludlow Avenue marked by signs.
