Sponsor: LAKETRAN
Estimated Total Cost: $18,000,000
Proposed Source of Federal Funds: Federal Transit Administration (FTA)

History/Background: Laketran has introduced two new in-county fixed routes (Nos. 8 and 9). These routes provide transportation to communities in Lake County that have been previously underserved by public transit including the City of Mentor-on-the-Lake, the community of Mentor Headlands and the job hub of Tyler Boulevard, home to 7,500 manufacturing jobs and 300 employers. Laketran also reports it has experienced an eighteen percent (18%) increase in ridership on demand response paratransit Dial-a-Ride since 2014. Laketran plans to increase demand response dial-a-ride trips by fifty percent by hiring additional drivers and purchasing 20 new buses. Additionally, Laketran is investigating a potential commuter express route to University Circle.

The Laketran headquarters building (aerial photograph) was constructed in 1992 and houses the entirety of Laketran's operations including administrative offices, customer service call center, dispatch, maintenance and bus garage. According to Laketran, in order to maintain the building in a state of good repair, renovations are required to bring mechanical systems up to date, replace the roof and windows and repair the concrete drives where buses travel.

Laketran reports that, at the time its headquarters was constructed, technology was not as crucial to operations as it is today. Customer service representatives (CSR) work in a space that was not built to accommodate work stations that focus on computer technology and dual monitors. CSRs currently work in cramped cubicles with no sound barrier. The driver’s area and the dispatch office are in a similar state. The driver’s room is outdated and lacks amenities.

According to Laketran, expansion of its headquarters building is necessary in order for Laketran to implement expanded service in Lake County. Laketran reports its headquarters is out of space to accommodate the 40 new employees that will be hired. Also, the bus garage is at capacity and cannot fit the 20 new buses that must be added to the fleet to deliver more daily service. Building expansion will directly support Laketran’s efforts to provide more service to the Lake County community.

The estimated total cost of the renovation and expansion, provided by the sponsor, is $18,000,000. The cost will be funded with $2,050,000 in Section 5307 Capital Formula funding and $15,950,000 in local funding.

Staff Comment (Summary):

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• The work summarized in this PPR will occur within the Euclid Creek-Frontal Lake Erie subwatershed. According to Ohio EPA’s 2020 Integrated Report (IR) Watershed Assessment Unit (WAU) summary, the Aquatic Life Use status is unknown at this time. This subwatershed directly drains to Lake Erie, which is a source of drinking water for many communities. NOACA staff recommends that this project manage all construction and post-construction runoff and limit any additional impervious surfaces.
• This project is located in the City of Euclid-Frontal Lake Erie Subwatershed. According to Ohio EPA's 2020 Integrated Report, the attainment status of this subwatershed is unknown, as well as, the causes and sources. This subwatershed is a direct tributary to Lake Erie and any increase in impervious surfaces or stormwater runoff should be managed onsite. Additionally, the use of nutrients should be prohibited/severely limited.

Intergovernmental Review and Consultation (IGRC):

Public Involvement:

Committee Review:

Transportation Subcommittee

• No comments; recommended for Planning and Programming Committee review.

Planning and Programming Committee

• No comments; recommended for Executive Committee review.