Laketran is keeping seniors in the community more mobile and connected

By Patricia Nugent

When Gloria Fakult turned 90, she decided it was time to sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery for a change. She began using Laketran Dial-a-Ride public assisted transportation.

“Although I’ve lived in Lake County since 1965, until I started riding on Laketran, I had no idea how beautiful our area truly is,” says the now-97-year-old, who lives alone.

“About three times a week I take it to visit the Mentor Senior Center, to doctors’ appointments, and practices and performances for the Mentor Music Makers, a band I sing in.”

Gloria says each day she marvels at the care the drivers take of the riders, carrying their groceries and escorting them to their door.

“They are so kind and courteous,” she adds. “They make taking the bus such a pleasant experience.”

Professional drivers are trained in CPR, first aid, disability sensitivity, maneuvering mobility devices, securement, seat transfer and assisting customers with hearing or visual impairments. The accessible vehicles handily accommodate wheelchairs and scooters, too.

The Importance of Making Connections
“To reduce the impact of isolation here in Lake County, Laketran and the Lake County Commissioners launched a partnership earlier this year to provide free Dial-a-Ride service for seniors to area senior centers where they can get hot meals, socialize and even learn new skills,” says Laketran CEO Ben Capelle.

Ridership on Laketran to the 10 senior centers in Lake County has gone up by 27 percent over the past year.

According to Carol Billetter, director of the Madison Senior Center, about one-fourth of the 350 seniors who go there each week arrive via Laketran.

“Our folks enjoy everything from crocheting to card games, social education forums and working out in our fitness rooms,” says Carol.

“Since most of them live alone—and many have gone through the isolation of losing a spouse—this social outlet provides companionship that’s integral to their well-being. And some of our seniors would not be able to come here were it not for the free rides from Laketran. They also enjoy a nourishing meal from our Congregate Café.”

Making Staying in Their Own Home a Reality
“Three out of four seniors in Lake County say they would like to stay in their home as long as possible,” says Ben.

“And one of the biggest reasons they have to go into senior care communities is lack of transportation. If people can no longer safely drive to the grocery store or doctors’ appointments, they basically become prisoners in their own home.”

When the Silver Tsunami Hit
Ben mentions the commonly used metaphor “silver tsunami” to describe the increase in the senior population, pointing out that it first hit in Lake County back in 2015.

“Our ridership has increased over 18 percent during the past four years, with 53 percent of those trips taking seniors to medical appointments,” he says. “We’ve done our best to maintain our services, but when ridership increases so does our costs. We have cut costs by switching our bus fleets from diesel gas to propane, which costs far less to operate.”

The growing pains can only continue, as the number of residents in Lake County over the age of 60 is projected to rise from 25 percent to 34 percent by 2030.

Last year the Dial-a-Ride service provided 300,000 trips to seniors and people with disabilities. The Issue 2 sales tax levy will be on the November 5 general election ballot. It will allow Laketran to improve service to job corridors and meet the growing demand for accessible transportation for Lake County seniors, those with disabilities and veterans. Find out more at a series of meetings held this month at public libraries throughout Lake County. For a complete listing of meetings, visit Laketran.com.

PLEASE VOTE YES ON ISSUE 2 FOR LAKETRAN!