Laketran celebrating 'Ohio Loves Transit Week'
Feb. 5—Laketran officials announced recently that the agency will be joining the Ohio Public Transit Association and transit companies across the state to celebrate "Ohio Loves Transit Week."
The outreach initiative serves to "educate residents and stakeholders on the impact public transit has in communities."
According to Laketran, many businesses, communities, individuals and families benefit from public transportation, which serves as an "essential resource that enhances economic development, and ensures sustainable lifestyles and a higher quality of life."
In Lake County, the agency provides over 500,000 trips each year," helping to create and maintain jobs that are essential in keeping our communities strong."
From Feb. 6 — 11, Laketran will celebrate with elected officials, stakeholders and riders during the sixth annual Ohio Loves Transit Week, peaking with "Ohio Loves Transit Day" from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Feb. 7, at the Frank J. Polivka Transit Center on Lakeland Community College's campus in Kirtland.
The agency will also be springing surprises on customers along routes throughout the week.
Laketran CEO Ben Capelle will spend Ohio Loves Transit Day with state officials discussing the fiscal year 2024-25 budget proposal, which includes the state transportation budget.
Ohio Department of Transportation funding remains crucial to the agency, Capelle noted.
"Over the past five years, Laketran has received over $9 million from competitive ODOT grants to pursue capital improvement projects such as the construction of two new indoor transit centers and electric bus-charging infrastructure that allows Laketran to electrify 67 percent of our fixed routes system," he said.
With this infrastructure, Laketran saves on fuel costs and preventative maintenance expenses, while reducing noise and air pollution."
Just as critical, he added, is state funding which subsidizes the agency's reduced fare program for seniors and people with disabilities, allowing Laketran to maintain affordable Dial-a-Ride fares.
"We're happy the state continues to invest more in public transit for those we serve and our communities," Capelle said. "The governor's budget proposal shares a positive message — that Ohio should continue to invest more in public transportation."
Moreover, Laketran Board President Brian Falkowski emphasized that ridership has recovered much quicker than many transit systems around the country.
"That means our customers are truly dependent on our services to get to work, medical appointments, or wherever they need to go," he said. "I hope this week unifies a voice across the state that transit is important to daily lives in all parts of Ohio, both rural and urban neighborhoods.
"When you support public transit, you are helping someone get to work or possibly a veteran that needs to travel to a neighboring county to get services," Falkowski added. "Every trip is meaningful and important."
