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Lorain County Public Transit Forum

January 29, 2015 — A public forum discussing a county public transportation plan will be held on Wednesday, February 4, 2015; 6 pm at , Spitzer Center Room 114.

This free public event is presented by the League of Women Voters Oberlin Area, Lorain County Commissioners, and Public Services Institute LCCC.

According to the 2014 Lorain County Transportation Study , it is estimated that 54,800 people in Lorain County are in need of public transportation. In addition, there are 13% of Lorain County residents who do not own a car.

Also, between 2004 and 2011 there were 6% of young people who do not have a driver's license. Many young people are moving to communities where they do not need a vehicle.

The Lorain County population average age is increasing and driving less, which could mean missed doctor's appointments or the inability to shop for daily necessities. Lorain County's poverty level is about 14.2% and 8.7% are unemployed.

According to the League of Women Voters Oberlin Area 2013 transportation poll , 42% of Lorain County residents surveyed use public transportation to get to work.

Public transportation impacts everyone, even those who may not use it. According to the U.S. Department of commerce, every dollar invested in public transit leads to $3 in economic development growth. Public transportation is important for quality of life, economic growth, and economic development.

In Lorain County, it is important more than ever that we develop a public transportation plan that attracts millennials, supports older residents along with increasing economic development opportunities, just to mention a few benefits.

The speakers at this public forum are Tim Rosenberger, Planner at Parsons Brinckerhoff (a leading transportation planning/engineering firm.) And also, Ken Prendergast, Executive Director of All Aboard Ohio (an organization dedicated to improving public transportation services across the State.) Following this presentation will be the opportunity for questions and answers along with a call-to-action for individual involvement.

Public transportation conserves energy, improves air quality, increases economic development, provides mobility, and increases access for all age groups - and all of this contributes to a better quality of life for Lorain County residents. Public Transportation can get us there!