LAKE COUNTY, Ohio — Laketran is a public transportation system for Lake County, and they just launched a new “Rides on Demand” program.

What You Need To Know

  • Laketran just launched their "Rides on Demand" program

  • The goal is to have the public transportation service be more flexible, especially for those with disabilites and seniors 

  • The program will allow people to request rides for that same day instead of calling days in advance

Andrew Vogt, a frequent Laketran rider, said it gives him more indolence.

Vogt uses a wheelchair and, instead of having to schedule a Laketran ride days in advance, he can now schedule a trip for that same day.

“People will be able to go to family event or a restaurant or somewhere where they can just be independent,” Vogt said.

Using it is simple. You just download an app to order a ride, or you can call Laketran to order one.

Ben Capelle, the CEO of Laketran, explained how they wanted to help the community.

“People with disabilities or seniors used to have to plan their trip days in ahead of time," Capelle said. "Now, just like everybody else, they can take a trip within 5 minutes of wanting to go."

Capelle said that they are one of only a handful of public transportation places doing this in the country.

“Being able to offer that kind of freedom, like a lot of people are used to with a car, you know, makes a big difference,” he said.

Vogt no longer has to worry about using a ride share app like Uber or Lyft, which is typically more expensive and less wheelchair accessible. Instead, he will take Laketran, which he’s trusted to get him to where he’s going for years.

“The drivers know you, they know how to tie down a wheelchair,” he said.

Vogt said that it also allows him to be more flexible with his job, so he’s able to pick up shifts, cover shifts or stay longer when he needs to without worrying about missing his ride.

“Indepence for a lot of people in the community in Lake County and seniors and people with disabilities,” he said.