Laketran Expands Park-n-Ride Service

According to Laketran, with up to 70,000 jobs accessible to the new route, the University Circle area now rivals downtown Cleveland in attracting commuters from Lake County. (Photo courtesy of Laketran)

Laketran (Lake County, OH) has announced the expansion of its Park-n-Ride commuter service to University Circle, one of northeast Ohio’s fastest-growing employment centers, to help residents access jobs at many of the area’s healthcare, higher education, and cultural institutions.

Starting Monday, August 4, Laketran’s new Route 13 will offer weekday service with four daily departures from Park-n-Ride lots in Painesville Township, Mentor, and Wickliffe.

“With up to 70,000 jobs accessible to the new route, the University Circle area now rivals downtown Cleveland in attracting commuters from Lake County,” according to a press release. “This new service aims to better meet the needs of residents commuting to work, attending college, going to medical appointments, or visiting museums in the area.”

According to an International Downtown Association study, University Circle’s employment growth has been driven primarily by the healthcare sector, which has seen a 37% increase since 2012 and now makes up 21% of Cleveland’s healthcare jobs.

“The job growth and staggering employment density of the University Circle area make it a great destination for commuter service,” Laketran CEO Ben Capelle said. “With most of its workforce in healthcare and unable to work remotely, reliable public transit options are essential to support its continued growth.”

The release added: “The service expansion aligns with Laketran’s goal to diversify destinations for its commuter services and increase ridership systemwide, all while maximizing efficiency. The expansion is strategically designed to be cost-neutral for the transit agency. By shifting service from underutilized downtown Cleveland routes, Laketran is maximizing efficiency without requiring additional funding.”

“This expansion reflects our long-term goal to reach more destinations and attract more commuters to our Park-n-Ride service,” Capelle added. “Especially since COVID, we’ve seen a decline in traditional office commutes, while healthcare workers continue to travel every day. We’re shifting resources to better serve those essential employees.”

Laketran Park-n-Ride service will operate fare free during the month of August to encourage commuters to try the new Route 13 to University Circle or Routes 10-12 to downtown Cleveland.  Regular Park-n-Ride fare is $3.75/one way. Seniors, people with disabilities, students and veterans are eligible for a reduced fare of $1.50/each way on Laketran’s Park-n-Ride service. Visit www.laketran.com.