Government Square

"Our communities are still experiencing an unacceptable level of violence, and it has to stop," Mayor Aftab Pureval said. "Now is the time for significant change."

City officials say it is in response to concerns raised by bus riders who say they can't access shelters and benches because of non-riders using them to smoke or sleep.

Metro considered relocating its Downtown hub, but a study determined that would increase costs and travel time.

Cincinnati's Government Square will be closed for construction from Friday, July 17 - Friday, July 24. The square is Metro's main downtown transit hub.…