February 9, 20169 yr I'm temporarily relocated to Lake County and decided to pick up one of these, because I wanted to be awesome and live the dream. Turns out the drivers have to push a button to activate the card reader. *WOMP WOMP* Also, the drivers are so confused on the days I take the first bus downtown and return on the last morning bus back. They actually radio in that they have to drop someone off on their way back. It's hilarious.
April 2, 20169 yr Laketran joins the 21st century :| (ironically these sort of signs are seemingly in only a handful of NY subway stations)- Laketran’s new display signage provides enhanced details for riders http://www.news-herald.com/general-news/20160401/laketrans-new-display-signage-provides-enhanced-details-for-riders http://www.mainstreetpainesville.org/
June 21, 20168 yr this looks promising-- Laketran debuts new website launching trip planner and real-time tools http://www.news-herald.com/general-news/20160620/laketran-debuts-new-website-launching-trip-planner-and-real-time-tools http://www.mainstreetpainesville.org/
June 24, 20168 yr Rally for #Lorain County #transit funding in #Elyria Downtown Square 11am-1:30pm Tuesday, June 28. Elected officials, business persons, clergy and committee members of MOVE (Mobility & Opportunity for a Vibrant Economy) will be there. The public is encouraged to be there too! "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
June 27, 20168 yr For Immediate Release June 27, 2016 Contact: Sharon Pearson, Secretary Phone: (440) 452-6607 Media Advisory LORAIN COUNTY GRASSROOTS GROUP RALLIES FOR PUBLIC TRANSIT WHO: Over 100 expected: including leadership and members of M.O.V.E. Lorain County (Mobility & Opportunity for a Vibrant Economy), elected officials, dozens of concerned citizens, business, non-profit and religious leaders. WHAT: A moral plea to the Lorain County Board of Commissioners to place a dedicated transit levy before the voters in November. WHEN: Tuesday, June 28th at 12:00PM WHEN: Lorain County Courthouse (located at 225 Court Street, Elyria, OH 44035) ### www.MOVELorainCounty.org "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
June 29, 20168 yr this looks promising-- Laketran debuts new website launching trip planner and real-time tools http://www.news-herald.com/general-news/20160620/laketran-debuts-new-website-launching-trip-planner-and-real-time-tools following up on previous article-- Laketran aims to be first transit agency in the nation to launch real-time data for Dial-a-Ride service http://www.news-herald.com/general-news/20160628/laketran-aims-to-be-first-transit-agency-in-the-nation-to-launch-real-time-data-for-dial-a-ride-service Laketran’s new real-time arrival data signage has received nothing but positive comments, said Ray Jurkowski, the transit agency’s general manager. Now, in light of the overwhelming and successful response to the digital delivery systems of bus times and route information, Lake County’s transit agency is seeking to blaze a trail in developing and implementing the same technology program it uses on its fixed routes for its Dial-a-Ride service. “We believe we are the first in the nation to explore real-time arrival for door-to-door operations,” Jurkowski said. “Real-time arrival signs have served as a great tool for local route riders, and Laketran is eager to partner with TripSpark Technologies (of Cleveland) to offer the same information for our popular and high-density Dial-a-Ride service.” http://www.mainstreetpainesville.org/
September 2, 20168 yr As recently as a decade ago, the Lorain County Commissioners budgeted millions of dollars per year to support a dozen public transportation routes countywide. Then the commissioners raided those funds to build the county HQ/justice center, leaving Lorain County Transit with only two infrequent routes. This proposed tax levy doesn't create an independent transit authority and board. It puts the management in the hands of the commissioners, thus it doesn't guarantee that the promised half for transit will be used for transit. Indeed, the commissioners could raid those funds again for other county activities too. Here's an official statement from the advocacy group that worked to get the commissioners to put the tax levy on the ballot.... _________________________ Greetings! As many of you are aware, there will be a ¼% sales tax levy on the November 8, 2016 ballot. The Lorain County Commissioners have stated that one-half of the tax will be used for public transportation and one-half of the tax will be used for Lorain County General Fund expenses. M.O.V.E. does not endorse this tax as a sustainable means of supporting public transit in Lorain County. M.O.V.E. Lorain County (Mobility & Opportunity for a Vibrant Economy) has been an advocate for establishing a public transportation system in Lorain County that achieves the following core values: * Capable * Sustainably funded * Smart * Accountable to the public Based upon research, consultation with public transportation experts, and public polling, which began in June 2015 a ¼% sales tax that is 100% dedicated to public transportation is needed to achieve the above-mentioned core values. Anything less will not provide a capable, sustainably funded, smart and accountable public transit system. We commend the Commissioners for recognizing the importance of this issue in Lorain County and stand ready to work collaboratively with them, or any other group, to develop a quality public transportation system for Lorain County. The members and supporters of M.O.V.E. regret the difference of opinion with the County Commissioners with regards to the vision for public transit in Lorain County. For more detailed information on M.O.V.E.’s stance on the November 8, 2016 tax levy please visit our website at http://www.moveloraincounty.org/. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
October 13, 20168 yr Citizens for SARTA STRIKE UP THE FUN! Fundraiser Sept. 27th, 2016 Dear Friend of SARTA: In honor of SARTA’s commitment to the residents of Stark County, Citizens for SARTA is hosting a scotch doubles format bowling fundraiser, called Strike Up the Fun!. This fundraiser will be held on Sunday, October 23rd from 5:00PM-10:00PM at 77 Colonial Lanes located at 5445 Whipple Ave NW, North Canton, OH 44720. The evening will include light refreshments, sixteen (16) basket raffle, 50/50 raffle and three (3) games of bowling in scotch doubles format. Scotch doubles is an enjoyable and social bowling format that pits teams of two (2) bowlers against other teams. A team may consist of any combination of bowlers -- husband and wife, mother and daughter, father and son, two friends and so on. SARTA’s goal is to ensure that all of Stark County residents including disabled individuals, seniors, veterans, employees and students have access to a quality transportation system that is reliable and affordable. Your sponsorship will make a huge impact on SARTA’s future. + SARTA provides over 2.8 million rides a year in Stark County through Fixed Route, Proline and Medicaid Services. + SARTA is funded by a ¼ of 1% percent sales tax. Which equates to SARTA receiving one (1) penny for every four (4) dollars of tax revenue. + The sales tax revenue SARTA receives covers approximately 80% of their operating expenses. The remaining 20% is funded from fares paid by the riders, SARTA's contracts (Contract Services) with various agencies and federal, state or local grants. Enclosed you will find a Sponsorship Form for this event. With your help, we can show our support of SARTA. If you have any questions or would like more information, please call (330) 232-6937 or send an email to [email protected]. Thank you for your support of Citizens for SARTA! "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
January 12, 20178 yr what won't they think of next for Laketran? :laugh: Laketran’s redesigned bus stop signs featuring new real-time rider tool http://www.news-herald.com/general-news/20170111/laketrans-redesigned-bus-stop-signs-featuring-new-real-time-rider-tool http://www.mainstreetpainesville.org/
January 14, 20178 yr PARTA bus routes are changing Some being cut, new stops added to others, times adjusted By MATTHEW MERCHANT Staff Writer Published: January 12, 2017 4:00 AM Changes are coming to PARTA starting Monday. The Portage Area Regional Transportation Authority will cut several routes, add new ones, implement slight changes to several others, and adjusts arrival and departure times across the board. The Kent Circulator, a three-day, low-cost service for residents of the Kentway Apartments on Summit Street in Kent, will end due to low ridership. PARTA will instead implement a fixed route in the south side of Kent that will stop at the apartment complex. That fixed route, 45, also will stop at the U.S. Post Office and other places along Franklin Street. Otherwise known as the South Water route, those busses will have a chance to meet with other vehicles heading to Stow, Ravenna, North Kent and Akron. MORE: http://www.recordpub.com/news%20local/2017/01/12/parta-bus-routes-are-changing "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
May 30, 20178 yr ...and Laketran wins for marketing! I guess that's a good thing :| Laketran awarded for marketing and communications strategies http://www.news-herald.com/general-news/20170528/laketran-awarded-for-marketing-and-communications-strategies http://www.mainstreetpainesville.org/
March 9, 20187 yr Newest Transit Map: This is a map I made of the Lorain County Transit (LCT) system with bus routes effective 2018. It was completed in the style of the GCRTA system map and has many schools, housing developments, shopping centers, and county offices. I did leave some space on the map for new proposed routes to West Lorain and Avon/Cleveland. I hope you all like it.
August 3, 20186 yr Sandusky Transit rolling out new routes SANDUSKY — Forget about reversing course or staying in neutral on plans to improve Sandusky Transit. Sandusky officials are instead accelerating forward with a road map outlining significant changes to Erie County’s largest public transportation system. Starting Wednesday, transit workers will unveil an all-new fixed-route system snaking through the 44870 ZIP code area. FULL STORY: http://www.sanduskyregister.com/story/201807310019
December 6, 20186 yr "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
February 13, 20196 yr Great news for Cleveland and inner-ring residents needing access to suburban jobs in Lake County!! "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
February 25, 20196 yr I wish Laketran would begin direct service from downtown Painesville to Cleveland. (Someone, make it happen) I remember when Lakefront Lines had it in the 60's. It was only a few times a day and it took half the day (okay, about 90 minutes, sometimes more depending on traffic), either down Rt. 20 (Erie St-->Mentor Ave-->Euclid Ave) or Lakeshore Blvd (more scenic). Laketran to build transit center on Lakeland Community College campus https://www.news-herald.com/news/lake-county/laketran-to-build-transit-center-on-lakeland-community-college-campus/article_3190e468-3602-11e9-8f6e-ebf59873ba33.html?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=socialflow&utm_medium=social&utm_content=fb-newsheraldinoh http://www.mainstreetpainesville.org/
June 14, 20195 yr an ad for the precursor to today's Laketran system. I can't for the life of me see the year (in upper right corner) but it looks like 1964 (?), but I don't know how that's possible because the system was no where near this level yet, when a bunch of rickety old buses and small vans were used as "mass transit." The only advantage back then was a direct line from Painesville to downtown Cleveland, and today two transfers are required. Maybe some day... http://www.mainstreetpainesville.org/
July 8, 20195 yr Middletown transit route to partner with companies, expand options for riders With more than 1,000 current openings for jobs in Middletown, the city is looking toward creative solutions to fill the gap and help employees. In September of 2018, the city launched WorkLink, a bus route that connects Dayton and Cincinnati. Atrium Medical Center, the city of Monroe and the Butler County Regional Transit Authority partnered with Middletown on the project. The route was designed to connect workers to jobs in the area and was the first public transit system between the Greater Dayton RTA, BCRTA and the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority. The route runs six days per week and covers all three work shifts at $2 per ride. “The WorkLink route really showcases the region coming together to connect the available workforce with the open positions in the area, particularly in Middletown and Monroe,” Middletown economic development director Jennifer Ekey said. More below: https://www.bizjournals.com/dayton/news/2019/07/08/middletown-transit-route-to-partner-with-companies.html "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
August 2, 20195 yr does anyone here ride Laketran? You can become a spokesmodel. C'mon, go for it! http://www.mainstreetpainesville.org/
October 30, 20195 yr Sandusky Transit System news.... - Increased frequency on several routes & free WiFi - A new route that connects Sandusky & Huron via BGSU Firelands - Not to mention STS is now a member of NEORide, which will implement a mobile ticketing app and eventually allow for better connectivity between regional public transit systems - STS routes are now included on several public transit smartphone apps to make trip planning easier
November 26, 20195 yr good news for Laketran? Ohio bus system projects receive $7.8 million in federal funding https://www.cleveland.com/news/2019/11/ohio-bus-system-projects-receive-78-million-in-federal-funding.html CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Three Ohio bus systems will receive a total of $7.8 million from the Federal Transit Administration, two of which are in Northeast Ohio. Laketran, the Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority and the Western Reserve Transit Authority were selected out of 270 applicants and 318 eligible projects. The money comes from the federal Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program. Though none of these systems are based in Cuyahoga County, the Laketran buses deliver Lake County residents to Cleveland and offer free transfers at certain stops to the Cleveland RTA. http://www.mainstreetpainesville.org/
August 30, 20204 yr Two new Laketran routes begin service in September-- http://www.mainstreetpainesville.org/
September 27, 20204 yr On 2/25/2019 at 3:12 PM, eastvillagedon said: I wish Laketran would begin direct service from downtown Painesville to Cleveland. (Someone, make it happen) I remember when Lakefront Lines had it in the 60's. It was only a few times a day and it took half the day (okay, about 90 minutes, sometimes more depending on traffic), either down Rt. 20 (Erie St-->Mentor Ave-->Euclid Ave) or Lakeshore Blvd (more scenic). Laketran to build transit center on Lakeland Community College campus https://www.news-herald.com/news/lake-county/laketran-to-build-transit-center-on-lakeland-community-college-campus/article_3190e468-3602-11e9-8f6e-ebf59873ba33.html?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=socialflow&utm_medium=social&utm_content=fb-newsheraldinoh Laketran website with a pic: https://laketran.com/frank-j-polivka-transit-center-at-lakeland-community-college/anafi-1-6-7/ I drove by this past weekend and had to look up what they were building. The structure has walls and a roof already.
October 6, 20213 yr Laketran debuts Ohio’s first battery-operated electric bus Andrew Cass - News-Herald - July 29, 2021 "Laketran is deploying 10 35-foot New Flyer Xcelsior CHARGE electric transit buses in the fall, which the agency stated will transition 60 percent of its local route bus fleet to zero emission vehicles. The battery-operated bus is Ohio’s first, according to Laketran. In addition to cutting down on air pollution, the buses also will cut down on noise and fuel and maintenance costs, Laketran CEO Ben Capelle said. ... Among the funding sources for the electric bus program was the Ohio EPA. It awarded Laketran more than $1.5 million to replace six aging diesel buses. Carolyn Watkins, administrator of Ohio EPA’s Diesel Emission Reduction Grant Program, said the replacement will reduce more than 1 1/2 tons of air pollution annually. That money comes from the $75 million awarded to Ohio from the Volkswagen Mitigation Trust Fund." Laketran Unveils Ohio’s First Battery Electric Bus Lines By Honoring A Cleveland Transit Pioneer
October 6, 20213 yr 1 hour ago, NorthShore647 said: Laketran debuts Ohio’s first battery-operated electric bus Andrew Cass - News-Herald - July 29, 2021 "Laketran is deploying 10 35-foot New Flyer Xcelsior CHARGE electric transit buses in the fall, which the agency stated will transition 60 percent of its local route bus fleet to zero emission vehicles. The battery-operated bus is Ohio’s first, according to Laketran. In addition to cutting down on air pollution, the buses also will cut down on noise and fuel and maintenance costs, Laketran CEO Ben Capelle said. ... Among the funding sources for the electric bus program was the Ohio EPA. It awarded Laketran more than $1.5 million to replace six aging diesel buses. Carolyn Watkins, administrator of Ohio EPA’s Diesel Emission Reduction Grant Program, said the replacement will reduce more than 1 1/2 tons of air pollution annually. That money comes from the $75 million awarded to Ohio from the Volkswagen Mitigation Trust Fund." Laketran Unveils Ohio’s First Battery Electric Bus Lines By Honoring A Cleveland Transit Pioneer Laketran has been getting a lot of attention lately. This from CleanTechnica http://www.mainstreetpainesville.org/
October 6, 20213 yr Smaller towns in Ohio used to be connected by a network of interurban lines -- timely article in Bloomberg CityLab, Ohio gets a prominent mention https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2021-10-06/long-gone-interurban-trains-could-signal-a-rail-revival Quote “One of the things we do wrong in transit is get excited about technology. We say, ‘This is what we want to use.’ What we should do is say what we want to do: Define the goal, and get technology to help.” Edited October 6, 20213 yr by Foraker
October 7, 20213 yr I could have sworn they already did a ribbon cutting ceremony for this. Well, maybe Sherrod Brown wasn't at that one. What's with the bus in the picture? It looks like it was new in 1968 🥴 http://www.mainstreetpainesville.org/
October 14, 20213 yr a little more Laketran recognition (w/COTA) http://www.mainstreetpainesville.org/
December 11, 20213 yr Mass Transit magazine honors a Laketran employee, Andrea Aaby, in its 40 Under 40 "listing of individuals who have shown a capacity for innovation, demonstrated leadership and a commitment to making an impact in transit." I think she may be the only one from Ohio. (Okay, that's a lie, some guy from Dayton is also on the list, and I didn't check every bio either 🙄) http://www.mainstreetpainesville.org/
February 10, 20223 yr free rides on Laketran next week! 🥰 don't know if other transit systems are doing this🤔 http://www.mainstreetpainesville.org/
March 16, 20223 yr https://www.news-herald.com/2022/03/15/laketran-awarded-14-7-million-to-fund-a-renovation-of-main-hq-upgrade-facility/ I’m wondering if RTA should poach some talent from Laketran. Just seems like it’s more well run.
March 16, 20223 yr ^sorry JB. I didn't see your post! so nice to see Laketran getting such a large share of this funding Edited March 16, 20223 yr by eastvillagedon http://www.mainstreetpainesville.org/
March 17, 20223 yr 11 hours ago, JB said: https://www.news-herald.com/2022/03/15/laketran-awarded-14-7-million-to-fund-a-renovation-of-main-hq-upgrade-facility/ I’m wondering if RTA should poach some talent from Laketran. Just seems like it’s more well run. The money for projects and equipment acquisitions is out there. Aside from four buses from 2010 (and I don't even know if they are currently in service), Laketran's entire regular and highway coach fleet is six years or younger in age. They have been able to secure funding for new buses, facility upgrades and introduce Ohio's first battery-powered bus fleet. They are able secure quite a bit in funding, especially for a small system. As for the suggestion of RTA "poaching" Laketran's talent, I hope not. It would take away the good people who know how to run an excellent transit system. The first general manager of Laketran, Frank Polivka was in charge of Laketran from its inception in 1979 to 2003. He then became RTA's Director of Procurement until 2019. With his success in starting Laketran from nothing and helping turn it into an excellent transit system, his knowledge and experience did nothing to better RTA. I don't think that RTA's leadership was ever interested in tapping into the knowledge that he could have provided.
April 10, 20223 yr new schedules for some Laketran routes starting tomorrow--instead of having to wait an hour for a bus, time has been reduced to "only" 40 minutes. Next step, 30 minutes? Heck, sometimes in NYC the buses never come when scheduled 😠 http://www.mainstreetpainesville.org/
April 10, 20223 yr 12 minutes ago, eastvillagedon said: new schedules for some Laketran routes starting tomorrow--instead of having to wait an hour for a bus, time has been reduced to "only" 40 minutes. Next step, 30 minutes? Heck, sometimes in NYC the buses never come when scheduled 😠 Increasing frequency and adding routes shows that Laketran is providing a desirable service where people want to use the system. Well-maintained and clean equipment is the standard they have adhered to. One wouldn't have ever known the buses that were retired prior to the new fleet of electric battery and diesel buses were placed into service were as old as they were. Well-maintained buses, even if older, translates to better reliability. If riders know the service is reliable, they will have more of a desire to use it. A certain other transit system can learn a lot from Laketran's operational model.
August 27, 20222 yr Welcome back, PARTA's Cleveland Express PARTA's Route 100 Cleveland Express returns to service on Monday, August 29. Catch the route 100 to connect with Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority buses. Fare to and from Cleveland on PARTA buses is $5 each way. See the schedule here: https://bit.ly/3wrPWpp "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
August 27, 20222 yr On 4/10/2022 at 2:38 PM, LifeLongClevelander said: Increasing frequency and adding routes shows that Laketran is providing a desirable service where people want to use the system. Well-maintained and clean equipment is the standard they have adhered to. One wouldn't have ever known the buses that were retired prior to the new fleet of electric battery and diesel buses were placed into service were as old as they were. Well-maintained buses, even if older, translates to better reliability. If riders know the service is reliable, they will have more of a desire to use it. A certain other transit system can learn a lot from Laketran's operational model. I've noticed what appears to be a decrease in usage of the Market Street Park and Ride lot, we are directly across 2 from it. I wonder if ridership is holding.
August 27, 20222 yr 46 minutes ago, E Rocc said: I've noticed what appears to be a decrease in usage of the Market Street Park and Ride lot, we are directly across 2 from it. I wonder if ridership is holding. Downtown is noticeably quieter. It's been long enough, I don't see it coming back quickly. A lot of businesses seem to be working remotely two or more days a week. We'll have to grow businesses to get more feet on the street again during the day. SW completion will help in the center.
September 20, 20222 yr On 8/27/2022 at 10:55 AM, E Rocc said: I've noticed what appears to be a decrease in usage of the Market Street Park and Ride lot, we are directly across 2 from it. I wonder if ridership is holding. I believe that the continuing of full-time telework has hurt ridership for Laketran's Park and Ride service. I know that a large number of riders were Federal Building workers. I am not familiar with the service from the Market Street lot (#10), but the Wickliffe lot (#12) has dropped as well. Edited September 20, 20222 yr by LifeLongClevelander
December 17, 20222 yr Laketran gets a brief bit of recognition in Government Technology Magazine (doesn't everyone have a subscription to this? 😅) http://www.mainstreetpainesville.org/
January 12, 20232 yr here you go, pretty much anyone associated with Lake Erie College can now ride Laketran for free (including the Popeyes meme kid and the college prez--who I suspect makes enough to afford the fare). The next thing you know the several thousand students at Lakeland Community College will be demanding this perk. There is no such thing as a free ride! http://www.mainstreetpainesville.org/
January 12, 20232 yr 10 minutes ago, eastvillagedon said: here you go, pretty much anyone associated with Lake Erie College can now ride Laketran for free (including the Popeyes meme kid and the college prez--who I suspect makes enough to afford the fare). The next thing you know the several thousand students at Lakeland Community College will be demanding this perk. There is no such thing as a free ride! I believe Laketran offers free rides for Lakeland students already. Was thinking about taking it when I was taking classes there a couple semesters ago.
January 12, 20232 yr 3 minutes ago, JB said: I believe Laketran offers free rides for Lakeland students already. Was thinking about taking it when I was taking classes there a couple semesters ago. thanks, didn't know that. And I also discovered that Lakeland already has a partnership with Lake Erie and other 4-year colleges under some division called Holden University Center to earn a BA. I guess community colleges aren't what they used to be. http://www.mainstreetpainesville.org/
January 12, 20232 yr 52 minutes ago, eastvillagedon said: thanks, didn't know that. And I also discovered that Lakeland already has a partnership with Lake Erie and other 4-year colleges under some division called Holden University Center to earn a BA. I guess community colleges aren't what they used to be. Nope, at my first go at college, I took a couple courses at the Holden building. Very high tech building, gives students around here tons of opportunities. Lakeland does a nice job in my opinion.
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