Lorain County officials are evaluating whether to keep funding Via LC, an on-demand rideshare-style public transit program, as they seek public input at two hearings in Elyria. The sessions are set for 1 p.m. Oct. 20 and 6 p.m. Oct. 21 at the Lorain County Transportation Center and Community Center, 40 East Ave., according to News 5 Cleveland.
Via LC began as a pilot announced in March 2024, supported by more than $2 million from the county transportation budget, the station reported. It launched in Lorain and Elyria in July 2024. In July 2025, the county extended the service for one year using grants, transportation funds and contributions from both cities.
Riders can book weekday trips by phone or app between 6:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. and pay the standard bus fare, the report said. Driver Patricia Boone told the station that customers include students, older adults and people without reliable cars; she said she depends on the income.
Elyria and Lorain each contributed $250,000 over a two-year agreement. The mayors said they were surprised when the county requested twice that amount for another two years. Elyria Mayor Kevin Brubaker said he planned to meet with the county transportation director and Commissioner Dave Moore to discuss continuing service in Elyria. Lorain Mayor Jack Bradley said the city intends to pilot five dedicated bus routes with grant funding starting in 2027 and may not stay in Via LC afterward.
Moore said the county aims to offer Via LC through 2027 and will keep pursuing grants and other funding. The hearings will accept public feedback on the program's future.