Lake/Geauga County – Laketran is proud to join public transit agencies across the state in celebrating Ohio Loves Transit Week, a statewide initiative led by the Ohio Public Transit Association (OPTA) to highlight the essential role of public transportation in communities. From February 10-14, Laketran and Geauga Transit are having Customer Appreciation pop-up events to thank residents who rely on transit every day to reach work, school, medical appointments, and more. Riders can look forward to surprise giveaways and free ride passes, as a token of appreciation for their continued support.

“We have more and more people riding Laketran and Geauga Transit and this week and we’ll be making sure they know we appreciate them for relying on us to get them where they need to go,” shared Laketran CEO Ben Capelle.

As part of the week’s efforts, Capelle will travel to Columbus to meet with members of the General Assembly from Lake and Geauga counties to discuss the Fiscal Year 2026-27 State Transportation Budget and advocate for continued and increased investment in public transit, as well as dedicated funding opportunities for transit. These discussions are crucial to securing the funding necessary to maintain and expand services that thousands of Ohioans depend on daily.

Funds from Ohio Department of Transportation have been used to maintain Laketran’s fleet and facilities while expanding services in Geauga County – specifically trips to and from work using Geauga Transit’s new Wheels to Work program funded by ODOT’s Workforce Mobility Partnership Program.

Both agencies have seen robust increases in ridership over the past year. Geauga Transit’s 2024 ridership increased 16 percent over 2023, while Laketran’s increased 9 percent respectively.

“Public transit is not just about getting from point A to point B—it’s about connecting people to opportunities, supporting local businesses, and enhancing the quality of life for our residents,” said Capelle. “This week, we celebrate our riders and reaffirm our commitment to advocating for the critical funding needed to keep our community moving.”

Public transportation plays a vital role in Lake and Geauga counties and across Ohio, with transit agencies providing over 71 million rides annually statewide. Every $1 invested in public transit generates $4 in economic return, making transit funding an essential component of a thriving local economy.

Laketran invites all residents to participate in Ohio Loves Transit Week by logging their trips with NOACA’s Ohio Loves Transit contest or sharing their stories on social media or at engagement events about how public transit has positively impacted their lives.

Ohio Loves Transit Week is organized by OPTA, which represents over 68 transit agencies across the state, advocating for policies and funding that support accessible and efficient public transportation for all Ohioans.