For many workers without cars, having reliable public transportation links to and from their jobs is crucial. That’s why we were thrilled to hear that Laketran has secured an $800,000 grant through the Ohio Workforce Mobility Partnership Program to enhance the Shoregate Transfer Center in Willowick.
The Ohio Department of Transportation explains that this funding aims to streamline and improve the transit experience for residents commuting to economically vital employment hubs outside their local areas.
Laketran is among the 16 transit agencies across 33 counties benefiting from the program, which has distributed over $17.5 million in grants. State Rep. Daniel Troy, representing Willowick, highlighted the current importance of the Shoregate site, which facilitates more than 4,000 transfers each month between the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority and Laketran—many of these trips being work-related.
“I’m delighted that my colleagues and I managed to secure this funding in House Bill 23, our biennial transportation budget,” Troy stated. “It’s in Ohio’s best interest to remove obstacles and improve people’s access to employment.”
The Ohio Workforce Mobility Partnership Program, established with support from the Ohio General Assembly, provides funding for various transportation needs including infrastructure, equipment, technology, vehicles, and planning projects. The program is overseen by ODOT’s Office of Transit, which champions safe and reliable public transportation across the state.
Laketran’s CEO, Ben Cappelle, expressed gratitude for ODOT’s substantial support and thanked local elected officials for their advocacy, which played a key role in securing the grant. “We’re grateful for this investment in our community, which will help tear down transportation barriers, opening up new employment opportunities across Northeast Ohio,” he said.
The News-Herald extends its congratulations to Laketran for securing this vital funding, which will significantly aid those reliant on transportation to maintain their employment.
