Transit agency resumes all services

As Ohio begins reopening, Laketran has resumed all services to regular scheduling while continuing to encourage customers to only take public transportation if it’s an essential trip.

“We decided to resume all services because as more people are heading back to work, we want to make sure customers can properly distance while on board our buses,” said Laketran CEO Ben Capelle.

“We also recognize people are stressed about traveling and we want our customers to be able to rely on our regular bus schedule during this already stressful time.”

To encourage social distancing, Laketran continues to have customers use the rear door to board and exit buses on Local Routes, and requests customers to sit apart.

“We are monitoring ridership on board our Local Route and Park-n-Ride services to allow customers to safety social distance,” Capelle said.

Dial-a-Ride, Laketran’s paratransit door-to-door service that primarily serves seniors and people with disabilities, is scheduling trips so passengers can maintain a minimum distance of six feet apart while on board, with no more than two passengers per bus.

Laketran is complying with Ohio Department of Health guidelines by strongly encouraging all customers to wear a face covering or mask while riding public transportation, in addition to social distancing.

“If you plan to use transit and do not have a mask or face covering, we’d be happy to send you one,” Capelle said. “It’s about keeping public spaces, like our buses, safe for both our employees and customers.”

SUBMITTED Fairport Harbor resident Barbara Ann Veres exits Laketran’s Route 5on her way to work at CVS in Painesville.