Ohio Department of Transportation’s Rides to Community Immunity program will fund a VAX & RIDE contest in Lake County to encourage public transit riders to get vaccinated and support the safety of transit drivers.

In partnership with ODOT and Lake County General Health District, Laketran announced details for a VAX & RIDE contest to encourage public transit riders to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Anyone who has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine can enter to win a $100 Laketran bus pass. Those interested in a chance to win the VAX & RIDE contest can complete an entry form online at www.laketran.com/vaxandride.  Entry forms are also available onboard buses or can be downloaded and returned to Laketran, VAX & RIDE, 555 Lakeshore Blvd. Painesville Twp., OH 44077 along with proof of vaccination.

While the partnering agencies anticipate the TSA mask mandate for public transit to extend beyond September 13, the goal of the contest is to encourage transit riders to get vaccinated prior to that deadline to continue to make public transit a safe place for both passengers and bus drivers.

“COVID-19 presented a lot of challenges for public transit,” shared Laketran CEO Ben Capelle. “We have worked very hard to keep transit safe while continuing to get people to work, shopping, vaccinations, as well as ongoing medical care, like dialysis.

“We appreciate that the state has continued to recognize transit employees as essential workers throughout this pandemic and has provided financial support and incentives to keep them safe,” continued Capelle.

The VAX & RIDE contest is open until September 17, when Laketran will randomly select 300 entries to win the $100 prize.

The ODOT program has already funded 1,200 free Laketran trips provided to residents, primarily seniors and people with disabilities, to access vaccination opportunities.

Laketran will continue to provide free transportation to any COVID-19 vaccination appointment.

“Laketran has done a great job keeping public transit safe for its riders throughout the various phases of this pandemic,” shared Health Commissioner Ron Graham.

“Over 57% of Lake County residents have begun their COVID-19 vaccination, but we’d like to see that number improve. We appreciate ODOT and Laketran’s help in making vaccinations accessible to everyone, and hope those who haven’t been vaccinated will be motivated by this contest.”

A list of local vaccination clinics is available on the Lake County General Health District website.

The contest limits one entry per person.