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Lorain County Transit Seeks Resident Input for New Plan

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  Published in Business and Finance on Monday, February 23rd 2026 at 16:43 GMT by Cleveland.com
      Locales: Ohio, UNITED STATES

Lorain County, Ohio - February 23, 2026 - Lorain County Transit (LCT) is actively soliciting feedback from residents through a comprehensive public survey, a pivotal step in developing a new five-year transportation plan. This initiative signals a proactive approach by LCT to address evolving community needs and build a more accessible and efficient public transit system for Lorain County.

The survey, launched earlier this month, asks residents about their current transportation habits, challenges they face, and desired improvements to LCT's services. It delves into crucial areas like route preferences, service frequency, accessibility for individuals with disabilities, and the potential for expanded services to cater to a broader range of needs. LCT Executive Director John Sarrella emphasized the importance of community participation, stating, "We want to hear from residents about their transportation needs and how LCT can better serve them." The agency believes a truly effective transportation plan must be built upon a foundation of direct community input.

This undertaking comes at a critical juncture for Lorain County. The region has experienced significant population shifts and economic development in recent years, particularly in areas like Amherst and Avon. These changes necessitate a re-evaluation of existing transportation infrastructure to ensure it can adequately serve a growing and diversifying population. Increased traffic congestion on key routes like SR 254 and I-90 has also highlighted the need for viable public transit alternatives to reduce reliance on personal vehicles.

The five-year planning cycle allows LCT to strategically address long-term challenges and opportunities. Previous plans focused heavily on maintaining existing services, but this update appears geared toward expansion and modernization. Sources within LCT suggest the agency is considering several innovative approaches, including:

• Microtransit Zones: Pilot programs utilizing on-demand ride-sharing services in lower-density areas to provide "first/last mile" connections to fixed-route bus lines.
• Electric Bus Fleet: A gradual transition to a fully electric bus fleet to reduce emissions and operating costs, aligning with broader sustainability goals for Lorain County.
• Smart Transit Technology: Implementation of real-time bus tracking, mobile ticketing, and trip planning apps to enhance the rider experience.
• Expanded Park-and-Ride Facilities: Increased capacity at existing park-and-ride locations and the development of new facilities along major highways to encourage commuters to utilize public transit.
• Increased Weekend and Evening Service: Addressing the limited service hours currently available, particularly on weekends and during evening shifts, to better serve those working non-traditional hours or seeking recreational opportunities.

The survey isn't just about identifying areas for improvement; it's also about understanding unmet needs. LCT is particularly interested in gathering feedback from underserved populations, including seniors, individuals with disabilities, low-income residents, and those living in rural areas. These groups often face the most significant transportation barriers and are crucial to the success of any inclusive transportation plan.

The survey is available online at [ https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LorainCountyTransit ] and will remain open until January 31st, 2026. Recognizing that not all residents have access to the internet, LCT has also made printed copies available at LCT headquarters (1325 Cleveland Road, Elyria), the Lorain County Community Development Department, and all branches of the Lorain County Public Library. This multi-faceted approach ensures that all voices can be heard.

Residents are encouraged to participate actively and share their honest opinions. The future of transportation in Lorain County hinges on this collective effort, and LCT's commitment to incorporating public feedback into its updated plan demonstrates a genuine dedication to serving the community. For more detailed information about the planning process and LCT's services, residents can visit [ https://www.loraincountytransit.com/ ]. The agency hopes a robust response will ensure the resulting plan truly reflects the diverse needs of Lorain County's residents for years to come.