The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Transportation needs survey underway
The 2020 Lorain County Transportation Needs Survey is open and accepting responses through Oct. 30.
Community members who live, work or spend time in Lorain County are invited to participate, according to a news release.
The Lorain County Mobility Management Impact Initiative, which is powered by United Way of Greater Lorain County in partnership with MOVE Lorain County, is conducting the survey, the release said.
Responses will become part of the updated Coordinated Transportation Plan which guides local planners as they move forward on expanding access to transportation options such as biking, walking, ridesharing, transportation pilot projects and public transit.
Community members who need transportation options other than driving, such as seniors and people with disabilities, are especially encouraged to participate.
“Your input is valuable; your time is valuable,” said Sharon Pearson, Lorain County mobility manager. “When this survey was last conducted in 2018, over 700 community members completed it, leading to new initiatives including Lorain County Mobility Management.
“Our goal is to provide information on transportation options, or alternative options, and to close the gap on unmet transportation needs in Lorain County, particularly for seniors and people with disabilities.”
The 2018 survey indicated that more than half of respondents were not aware of existing transportation options.
In response, Lorain County Mobility Management created a list of transportation options that includes the status of the services as it relates to the novel coronavirus, according to the release.
Lorain County Mobility Management also is a part of “Let’s Get to Work Lorain County,” a program which recently received a $100,000 Paradox Prize through The Fund for Our Economic Future.
With the oversight of Carrie Handy, planning director at the city of Oberlin, 11 organizations will work together to improve transportation options for people who need to get to work beginning in January 2021, according to the release.
As part of this program, Lorain County Mobility Management will create a “Transportation Toolkit” outlining transportation information and resources to aid in securing employees.