Ohio’s Laketran receives nearly $950,000 in state grant funding

COLUMBUS — Laketran is one of 26 transit agencies awarded funding through the Ohio Department of Transportation’s Urban Transit Program (UTP), as announced by State Representatives Jamie Callender (R-Concord) and Daniel Troy (D-Willowick).

The program supports urban transit agencies with vehicle purchases, maintenance, and facility improvements.

The UTP, funded by Ohio’s General Revenue Fund and authorized by House Bill 33, awarded $23.15 million in total.

Of this, $18.9 million was distributed based on federal urban transit allocations, and $4.25 million was granted to small urban areas based on population and ridership.

Laketran received $948,946, including $532,416 in proportional funding and $416,530 from the small urban area bonus.

This marks the largest grant Laketran has received through the UTP, surpassing awards from previous years.

“We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support,” said Laketran CEO Ben Capelle. “We appreciate their ongoing collaboration to secure vital funding allowing us to enhance our services, upgrade our fleet, and invest in new technology that improves the rider experience.”

Founded in 1974, Laketran operates 155 vehicles across Lake County and transported 644,877 riders in 2023. Its services include Dial-A-Ride, Park-N-Ride, and local bus routes.

State Representative Callender emphasized the importance of local transit for connecting seniors, job seekers, and families to essential services, while Representative Troy highlighted the impact of the funding on improving quality of life and local economic growth.