Published: Friday, February 06, 2009

Laketran’s GreenPerks Program is Local Economic Driver Laketran is introducing a new economic growth program called GreenPerks, designed to generate new foot traffic for local retailers located along the transit agency’s fixed routes. The program is simple and a win-win for retailers and citizens. Riders who purchase an 11-Ride ticket for any of Laketran’s bus services simply present their ticket when making a purchase at a local retailer who is a GreenPerks merchant to receive a discount on their purchase. The 11-ride ticket for Fixed Routes 1-6, Dial-a-Ride or Commuter Express Routes 10-14 can be used for this program. Laketran launched the program as an initiative to increase awareness of the value of a transit rider to local businesses. “When riders choose to use public transit, they are freeing up their income for purchases in other areas,” states Terrell Dillard, president of Laketran’s Board of Trustees. “For every retailer along our routes, that rider can translate into a new customer. In these tough economic times, cost effective customer attraction and retention is going to be critical to businesses staying alive. GreenPerks is one way that both businesses and citizens can recognize the power of transit as an economic driver in a community.” GreenPerks merchants can be easily identified by the GreenPerks merchant window sticker. A link to the merchants can also be found on the agency’s new website, www.laketran.com. “Laketran is committed to making the best and highest use of our taxpayers dollars,” states Ray Jurkowski, general manager. “By leveraging our resources like our website to connect our riders to our business community, we feel that Lake County as a whole benefits from this cross-marketing program.” Discounts vary from by merchant, but all offer at least a 10% discount or free item with purchase. Merchants who are interested in becoming a GreenPerks member should contact Jessie Baginski, director of communications at 440-350-1008 or marketing@laketran.com . Laketran’s local fixed route buses travel hourly along the major corridors of the county Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. until 9 p.m., and every two hours on Saturdays from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. Route 1 travels from Painesville to Mentor along Mentor Ave; route 2 travels through Wickliffe and Willoughby to Great Lakes Mall along Euclid Ave.; Route 3 goes from Shoregate Shopping Center through Eastlake and Mentor along Lakeshore Blvd and SR 306; Route 4 runs three times daily between the Administrative Building in Painesville to Madison; Route 5 is a Painesville/Fairport Harbor Circulator with hourly north and south loops; and Route 6 travels from Willoughby Hills, Wickliffe and Eastlake along Rt 84 and Vine St. to Great Lakes Mall. Routes 1, 2, 3 and 6 also stop at Lakeland Community College. Local fixed route fares are only $1.25 each way / 60 cents for seniors, citizens with disabilities, or children ages 2-12 / children under 2 ride free. For more information about the GreenPerks program or any of Laketran’s services, visit, www.laketran.com or email marketing@laketran.com . END