Geauga Transit Launches ‘Wheels To Work’ Program

During a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony, Laketran CEO Ben Capelle (center) expressed gratitude to various officials who have provided support for the new “Wheels to Work” program. (Photo courtesy of Laketran)

State and local officials gathered on Oct. 18, 2024, at Geauga Transit, in Chardon, OH, to celebrate the launch of a new “Wheels to Work” program, aimed at improving transportation access to jobs in Geauga County, OH.

Funded by a recently awarded grant from the Ohio Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) Workforce Mobility Partnership program, the initiative is designed to provide reliable transportation for transit-dependent residents, including the Amish community, to employment opportunities at local manufacturers and businesses.

The program will feature two daily routes connecting the area communities of Middlefield and Chardon, as well as a route along SR-422 to link Parkman and Auburn residents to jobs in Bainbridge and Chagrin Falls.

During a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Laketran CEO Ben Capelle expressed gratitude to Ohio Senator Sandra O’Brien, State Representative Steve Demetriou, and Geauga County Commissioner Jim Dvorak, who all delivered remarks in support of the new initiative.

“There’s a significant need for public transit to play a role in workforce development by providing reliable transportation to help local businesses recruit, and more importantly, retain employees,” Capelle said. “The challenges are statewide which made this grant very competitive. We appreciate the support we received from our local elected officials that helped us secure this critical investment.”

Proudly serving almost 30,000 riders each year, Geauga Transit is the regional transit authority for Geauga County. Through an intergovernmental agreement, Laketran (Painesville Township, OH) operates and manages Geauga Transit’s door-to-door public transportation service.

The $1.78 million infrastructure investment is expected to bring long-term economic and environmental benefits to both Geauga Transit and Geauga County. The funding will enable the purchase of three propane-fueled buses—the first of their kind for the agency—as well as cover operating and maintenance costs for the new service.

Geauga Transit purchased the propane-powered Terra Transit buses from TESCO, a supplier based in Oregon, OH. Capelle noted that the new buses are expected to deliver fuel savings of approximately 35% and will contribute to improved air quality in the region.