Laketran and the Lake County Board of Commissioners announced today an expansion of the Seniors on the Go program to include fare-free rides on Laketran’s Local Routes 1–9, providing older adults with greater flexibility, independence, and access to destinations throughout Lake County.
In May 2025, the two agencies launched Seniors on the Go to help curb senior isolation by providing Dial-a-Ride transportation fare-free to seniors. Since the launch, Laketran has provided over 25,000 trips to senior centers, libraries, parks, grocery stores, food pantries, fitness centers, barber shops and salons, and pharmacies. Through the expanded partnership, seniors will now be able to ride Laketran’s fixed local bus routes at no cost, eliminating the need for advance reservations and offering more spontaneous travel options.
Laketran proposed the program expansion after hearing directly from local seniors, including Willoughby resident Terry Foreman, a regular transit rider who encouraged the agency to include local routes to better support seniors who are able and eager to use fixed-route service.
“While seniors appreciate the program’s free rides on Dial-a-Ride, there is a lot more flexibility when you use the local routes because you don’t need to make an advance reservation,” said Foreman. “Plus, not all seniors need the assistance provided by Dial-a-Ride. I’m very capable of walking to a bus stop to get where I need to go.”
“This expansion reflects our commitment to listening to our riders and adapting our services to meet their needs,” said Laketran Board President Brian Falkowski. “By adding fare-free access to our local routes, we’re giving seniors more independence, more choice, and more opportunities to stay connected to their communities.”
County leaders emphasized the importance of transportation access in supporting quality of life for Lake County’s growing senior population.
“Transportation plays a critical role in reducing isolation and supporting healthy aging,” said Commission President Morris W. Beverage III. “Expanding Seniors on the Go to include local bus routes gives seniors greater mobility while also supporting the broader transit system that serves our entire county.”
“Providing seniors with flexible and affordable transportation options is essential to helping them remain active and independent,” said Commissioner John Plecnik. “This is just one more way we are making Lake County a great place to live, work, play and retire.”
“This program shows how collaboration between Laketran, the County, and our residents leads to meaningful improvements,” said Commissioner Morgan R. McIntosh. “By removing fares on local routes, we’re making it easier for seniors to access everyday destinations and remain engaged in the community.”
Residents interested in participating in the Seniors on the Go program must complete a Reduced Fare Application and provide proof of eligibility. Once approved, Seniors on the Go passes are issued through Laketran’s EZfare mobile app or an EZfare smartcard, allowing seniors to board local routes fare-free.
For more information about Seniors on the Go, Reduced Fare eligibility, or EZfare, visit www.laketran.com or contact Laketran Customer Service at 440-350-1000.