Agencies receive largest award in recent distribution of ODOT Workforce Mobility grant to support cross-county public transit to strengthen job access

Lake/Geauga Counties, OH — Laketran and Geauga Transit are pleased to announce that they have been awarded two grants through ODOT’s Workforce Mobility Program (OWMP) — including a new $2 million award — to broaden public transit access and help residents reach employment throughout Lake and Geauga counties.

The new grant continues the momentum after the first round of OWMP funding, which helped launch Geauga Transit’s “Wheels to Work” program in 2023. That program already has increased ridership 16 percent for Geauga Transit. With this second award, Laketran and Geauga Transit will explore and implement cross-county transportation services with a strong focus on improving job access for Amish and other transit-dependent populations in Geauga County.

“This is a very exciting opportunity for Geauga Transit and I truly appreciate ODOT’s continued support of our vision for improving regional transportation between Lake and Geauga counties,” said Laketran CEO Ben Capelle. “This new award gives us the opportunity to explore cross-county transportation that connects residents to employment throughout the region. We’re excited to build on the success of the Wheels to Work program and continue expanding mobility and economic opportunity for the communities we serve.”

In an ODOT press release, Governor Mike DeWine shared, “Transportation should never stand in the way of a good job. This investment will help more Ohioans get to work and support employers who need reliable, skilled workers.”

Established through Ohio legislation, the Workforce Mobility Program directs federal transportation funds to projects that reduce barriers to employment. In this round, ODOT awarded approximately $13.5 million to transit systems, nonprofits, and local governments working to close mobility gaps and improve access to jobs, training, and essential services.

“The Workforce Mobility Program is a great tool that helps ODOT deliver on its mission to ensure every Ohioan has access to transportation opportunities, regardless of whether they own a vehicle,” said ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn.

“This is historically one of the largest federal investments for public transit that Geauga County has ever received,” shared Geauga County Commissioner Jim Dvorak. “I truly appreciate the partnership with Laketran, ODOT and our state representatives that goes into securing these funds to enhance transit options that will benefit our local businesses and workforce.”

Laketran and Geauga Transit will begin planning and outreach in 2026 to define service alternatives, identify employer and community-partners, and schedule implementation phases for the cross-county connectivity initiative.

“Winning this grant demonstrates the strength of working regionally,” said Laketran Board President Brian Falkowski. “Because Laketran and Geauga Transit partnered together, we were able to secure both the capital funds needed to purchase two new propane buses and the operating support required to launch cross-county service. This award shows what’s possible when our agencies collaborate to improve mobility and expand job access for the entire region.”