Laketran intends to remain open

With justified health concerns surrounding the novel coronavirus, Laketran officials this week reached out to the Lake County General Health District in efforts keep abreast of additional information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding guidance and advice.

In a notice posted to the agency’s website, Laketran officials emphasized safety as its main priority, ensuring that the 2,500 daily customers and 229 employees remain protected from harm/illness.

“It is our standard protocol to wash and sanitize every bus daily and we will continue to do so,” the statement reads. “As an extra level of precaution, Laketran is spending more time wiping down high touchpoints on our buses with disinfectant each day. However, please remember, surfaces are only disinfected until someone touches or cough/sneezes on them ....

“Antiseptic wipes have been ordered to equip our drivers to use as needed. Each year, we provide all employees access to free flu shots. While flu shots do not vaccinate against COVID-19, they do help our employees stay healthy, which keeps you healthy .... ”

Laketran also noted seats on 2017 and newer Dial-a-Ride buses are antibacterial and antimicrobial, which in general provides another line of defense against the spreading of germs.

Ben Capelle, CEO of Laketran, said the agency intends to remain open during the crisis.

“We are taking the threat of COVID-19 very seriously and are closely monitoring the situation in Northeast Ohio,” he added. “We will be taking directives from state and local officials, and may have to adjust how we provide service depending on their recommendations. “We have already planned how we will prioritize service if we need to and we will continue to be there to take people to medical appointments.”

In addition to standard public transportation services, Laketran, as a member of Lake County’s Emergency Management Agency, also assists first responders in emergency management situations and moving people in a crisis.