University Circle in Lake County now linked by new Laketran route, granting commuters complimentary journeys
Laketran's new Route 13, launching on August 4, 2025, promises to revolutionise commuting for Lake County residents by connecting them directly to the bustling University Circle neighbourhood in Cleveland. This new route offers four daily weekday departures from Park-n-Ride lots in Painesville Township, Mentor, and Wickliffe, making it easier for locals to access jobs, education, healthcare, and cultural destinations in University Circle.
University Circle, a major employment hub with nearly 70,000 jobs primarily in healthcare, higher education, and cultural institutions, has seen a substantial 37% increase in healthcare employment since 2012. This new transit option is designed to support ongoing employment growth by providing reliable public transit to a workforce concentrated in sectors requiring on-site presence.
The expansion of Laketran's Park-n-Ride commuter service to University Circle is part of a larger effort to support the continued growth of one of Northeast Ohio's fastest-growing employment and cultural centres. The decision to shift trips was based on surveys sent to riders and feedback received at public meetings.
To encourage more people to use the service, including the new Route 13, Laketran will offer free fares on all Park-n-Ride routes throughout the month of August. Standard fares for Laketran's Park-n-Ride routes will resume in September at $3.75 each way, with reduced rates of $1.50 for seniors, people with disabilities, students, and veterans.
University Circle Inc. President Kate Borders expressed her excitement about partnering with Laketran to bring more transportation options to University Circle. She stated that enhancing accessibility in University Circle helps attract and retain employees and makes it easier for visitors to enjoy the area.
Laketran's strategy to focus on a high-density employment area with limited remote work feasibility and to utilise existing Park-n-Ride infrastructure indicates an intent to optimise operational efficiency and generate sufficient rider demand to justify the route. This approach aims to balance service quality with resource management, but detailed evaluations will be needed after operational data accumulates.
For more information about Route 13 and Park-n-Ride schedules, visit www.laketran.com. Reliable public transit options are essential to support the continued growth of University Circle, making this expansion a significant step towards a more connected and accessible Northeast Ohio.
The expansion of Laketran's Park-n-Ride service to University Circle not only supports the growth of a major employment hub, but also offers a new transit option to finance, healthcare, and cultural sectors in the area, thereby helping attract and retain employees. The new Route 13, connecting Lake County residents to University Circle, aligns with Laketran's strategy to optimize operational efficiency while providing reliable public transit within the industry of transportation.
