University ride option now links Lake County to University Circle, and for a limited time, trips are complimentary
Starting August 4, 2025, Laketran's new Route 13 commuter service will connect Lake County residents to University Circle, a rapidly growing employment hub in Cleveland. This expansion aims to improve access for Lake County residents to University Circle's world-class healthcare facilities, universities, and cultural venues.
The healthcare sector in University Circle has seen a 37% increase since 2012 and now accounts for 21% of Cleveland's total healthcare employment. Many of these jobs require on-site presence, making reliable public transit options essential. Route 13 offers weekday Park-n-Ride bus service with four daily departures from Painesville Township, Mentor, and Wickliffe, directly benefiting healthcare workers commuting from Lake County.
Beyond healthcare, Route 13 also supports University Circle's higher education and cultural sectors by facilitating commutes for students, faculty, staff, and visitors to museums and cultural institutions. This increased connectivity may further stimulate cultural engagement and educational opportunities between Lake County and Cleveland.
Laketran is reallocating resources from underutilized downtown Cleveland routes to this growing corridor, maximising service efficiency and meeting shifting commuter needs post-COVID. The expansion supports Laketran's long-term goal of diversifying destinations and increasing ridership across the system.
University Circle Inc. President Kate Borders expressed excitement about partnering with Laketran, stating that enhancing accessibility in University Circle helps attract and retain employees and makes it easier for visitors to enjoy the area. Reduced rates of $1.50 will be offered for seniors, people with disabilities, students, and veterans on Laketran's Park-n-Ride routes, while standard fares will resume in September at $3.75 each way.
During August, Laketran will offer free fares on all Park-n-Ride routes, including the new Route 13 and existing Routes 10-12, as part of the launch celebration. For more information about Route 13 and Park-n-Ride schedules, visit www.laketran.com.
This story was written with the assistance of AI.
Sources: [1] University Circle Inc. [2] International Downtown Association [3] Laketran
The copyright for this story belongs to Advance Local Media LLC. The decision to make this change was based on surveys sent to riders and feedback received at public meetings.
- The expansion of Laketran's Route 13 commuter service will not only serve the healthcare sector but also benefit the education and cultural sectors in University Circle, as reliable public transit options are crucial for many jobs that require on-site presence.
- In an effort to stimulate economic growth and cultural engagement, Laketran is reallocating resources from underutilized downtown routes to the growing corridor connecting Lake County to University Circle, focusing on diversifying destinations and increasing ridership.
- To further encourage the use of public transit, reduced fares will be offered for seniors, people with disabilities, students, and veterans on Laketran's Park-n-Ride routes, while the rail and finance industries may also find convenience in utilizing this enhanced transportation network between Lake County and Cleveland.
