CINCINNATI, OH (FOX19) - Metro is celebrating its 40th anniversary by gathering at least 40 stories from riders to highlight its rich history. In return, Metro will be giving out prizes to riders, including a year of free rides.

The stories collected, which will be used in Metro marketing materials throughout the year, could include tales of meeting a spouse on a bus, celebrating an event or establishing a special bond with a driver.

Metro’s 40th Anniversary Story Contest runs through March 31. The best story, judged by Metro employees, will receive a year of free rides. Four runners up will get 30-day rolling passes.

To enter, riders can submit their story on Metro’s website, email to mymetrostory@go-metro.com, fax to 513-632-9202, or mail to Metro 40th Anniversary Contest, SORTA/Metro, 602 Main St., Cincinnati, OH 45202.

The official date of Metro's 40th anniversary is August 31.

CINCINNATI, OH (FOX19) - National Passport Day is Saturday, March 9, and the Main Library is making it easy to apply for a passport all weekend. The Information & Reference Department, located on the second floor of the South Building, will have additional staff available to assist customers with their passport applications Saturday, March 9, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, March 10, from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Appointments are strongly encouraged, but walk-ins are accepted as staffing permits. To schedule an appointment, call 513-369-6900.

Can’t make it March 9 or 10?

CINCINNATI, OH (FOX19)  – To work, to school, to play and everywhere in between – more people rode Metro last year.

Metro had a 4.2% ridership increase compared to 2011, significantly higher than the national average increase for bus systems. Last year, Metro provided almost 17.4 million passenger trips. Including Access service for people with disabilities, Metro provided almost 17.6 million rides total.

Huge increases in university pass program ridership: In addition, ridership for Metro’s student pass programs at local universities is up significantly. Metro had a 24% increase in ridership at the University of Cincinnati and a 19% increase at Cincinnati State in 2012, compared to 2011.