State and local officials recently gathered at Geauga Transit in Chardon to celebrate the new “Wheels to Work” program, which aims to improve transportation access to jobs in Geauga County.

Funded by a grant from Ohio Department of Transportation Workforce Mobility Partnership Programthe initiative is further designed to provide reliable transportation for transit-dependent residents, including the Amish community, to employment opportunities at local manufacturers and businesses.

The program includes two daily routes connecting Middlefield and Chardon, in addition to a route along State Route 422 to connect residents of Parkman and Auburn to jobs in Bainbridge and Chagrin Falls.

During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Laketran CEO Ben Capelle expressed his gratitude to Senator Sandra O’Brien, State Representative Steve Demetriou and Geauga County Commissioner Jim Dvorak.

“There is a significant need for transit to play a role in workforce development to help local businesses recruit and, more importantly, retain employees,” Capelle said. “The challenges are statewide, which makes this grant very competitive.”

“We appreciate the support of our local elected officials, who helped us secure this crucial investment. »

Officials noted the $1.78 million infrastructure investment will bring “long-term economic and environmental benefits” to Geauga Transit and Geauga County.

Additionally, the funding will allow for the purchase of three propane-powered buses – the first of their kind for the agency – as well as cover the operation and maintenance costs of the new service.

Geauga Transit purchased the propane-powered Terra Transit buses from TESCOa supplier based in Oregon, Ohio.

Capelle noted that the new buses are expected to provide fuel savings of about 35 percent and will help improve air quality in the region.

“Propane is a cleaner fuel, thanks to its low carbon content,” he said. “Most importantly, it is a cost-effective alternative to gasoline and diesel, which is why Laketran and now Geauga Transit are committed to using this sustainable fuel source.”

Capelle also announced that Laketran had secured additional funding through a federal low emissions subsidy for six additional propane-powered buses, which are expected to enter service early next year.

Geauga Transitserving nearly 30,000 riders annually, is the regional transit authority for Geauga County.

Lactran operates and manages Geauga Transit’s door-to-door public transportation service under an intergovernmental agreement.