Let’s Get to Work
Lorain County!
Leaders in Lorain County recognized that transportation service has been somewhat limited, especially for those working second or third shifts at any of the many manufacturing facilities in the county. At the same time, the city of Oberlin saw an opportunity to improve not only frequency of service but also the carbon footprint of the city and county through access to electric vehicles. Through a collaborative effort, several partners throughout the county joined together to expand the frequency and hours of the local public transit system and establish an electric car-sharing service. Together, they are offering around-the-clock access to jobs.
The Details
Lorain County Transit expanded its Oberlin Connector service from two days a week to five days a week, and extended hours of operation to better serve those working second or third shifts. Service is now available (for $2 a trip) from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. five days a week. Additionally, The Paradox Prize grant supported the establishment of an electric car share program between two Lorain County nonprofits, Place to Recover Training and Resource Center in Sheffield Township and Catholic Charities’ St. Elizabeth Center in Lorain, to provide transportation services to individuals seeking access to job training, interviews, jobs, or other needs.
Learnings
These combined efforts served more than 230 people. The team learned that tweaks to an existing transit system, like the alignment of service and shift times, can make a big difference in expanding access to jobs. And, electric car-sharing systems aren’t just for the young and the wealthy. The shared use of an electric vehicle between Catholic Charities and A Place to Recover has been more efficient and cost effective than each organization purchasing a van.
In late 2021, Oberlin City Council voted to apply American Rescue Plan funds to maintain the expanded service through at least 2023.
