CINCINNATI - City transportation officials and Rhinegeist Brewery announce a new high-tech rideshare drop-off and pickup zone just north of the popular pub, the first of several traffic-related improvements designed to reduce congestion and streetcar blockages in the northern part of Over-the-Rhine.

In addition to the rideshare zone, improved pavement striping, new street and way-finding signage and the relocation of a Metro bus stop are in the works, and should be in place by the end of the month.

Rhinegeist’s primary customer entrance and exit faces Elm Street, just steps away from a Cincinnati Bell Connector station stop and Red Bike station.

The new pickup and drop-off zone is located about 50 yards north of the brewery’s main entrance on the same side of the street, which will allow passengers to enter and exit cars at the curb.

A geofence boundary has been added by Uber Technologies Inc. to direct users to the new pickup and drop-off zone.  Patrons also can spot the zone by a vertical stack of four, colorfully painted beer kegs and signage. The zone is large enough to accommodate several passenger vehicles.

Uber is the first rideshare company to offer this feature on its app for Rhinegeist. The City also is working with other rideshare companies to offer the same feature.