Jason Williams

jwilliams@enquirer.com

Limited-edition, commemorative gift cards to pay for rides on Cincinnati's streetcar went on sale Tuesday morning.

The "Founders' Club" card features the first look at the streetcar's new logo. The logo is a "C" with a modern-looking streetcar inscribed in the open part of the "C."

The card can be purchased on Metro's website by clicking here.

The fare card and logo are part of the unveiling of the streetcar's new brand.

The credit card-sized fare passes can be used to ride the streetcar after it opens to passengers in September 2016. The cards will be available in three options:

-- $25: Unlimited rides for first 15 days of service

-- $50: Unlimited rides for first 30 days of service

-- $100: Unlimited rides for first 60 days of service

Cards also can be purchased at Metro's Downtown sales office in the Mercantile arcade across Fifth Street from Government Square, and at the city cashier's office on the second floor of City Hall.

Some 1,500 cards will be available. The monochromatic metallic cards have the new logo engraved in them and are designed as a collector's item.

The cards could generate up to $73,750 to help cover streetcar operating costs for the first year. It's projected to cost $4 million annually to run the 3.6-mile streetcar route through parts of Downtown and Over-the-Rhine.

"This is one of the first tangible opportunities streetcar enthusiasts can show their support," said City Councilwoman Amy Murray, chairwoman of council's transportation committee. "This is a great idea that Metro has developed to generate excitement. I think many will appreciate the privilege of being a Founding Club Member with this commemorative card."