Trip Planning
Now that you are thinking about taking Laketran, you realize you are not completely
sure how to navigate the system. Let us help you plan for a smooth ride!
Plan-Read-Ride
Laketran provides fixed route bus service throughout Lake County. If you are a new
transit customer, simply follow the steps outlined below to get started using our
system. For additional one-on-one training consider our Travel
Training program.
How to Plan your Trip
- Using a bus schedule, locate your starting point and ending point. With longer distances,
you may need to use more than one bus schedule. Locate the shortest route to your
destination.
- Once you have determined which bus route(s) you need to take download the bus schedule.
Locate the bus stop times heading eastbound or westbound. For help reading the timetables,
please visit our How to Read a Bus Schedule section.
- To use Laketran, there are several fare options. You may prefer to pay for a single
trip each time you board the bus or you can pre-pay for your fare and receive a
discount. On-line Ordering is simple and you never have to worry about having exact
change.
- If you need help planning your trip, you can call our customer outreach specialist
at 440-350-1012.
How to Ride a Bus
- Locate where you will board the bus and your destination on a bus schedule. Check
the timetable for the route you will be using.
- Use the Ride Guide to confirm your bus times. Ride Guides are posted at bus stops
and include route information, times and how to use the bike racks. Some bus stops
service multiple routes. (Not all bus stops have Ride Guides, so carry a bus schedule,
if necessary.)
- Arrive at your bus stop 5 minutes early.
- Make sure the bus driver sees you as he/she approaches the bus stop. Before boarding
the bus, confirm the route number on the destination sign above the windshield.
- Have exact fare or your bus ticket ready. Drivers are NOT able to give change.
- Please reserve the front seats for senior citizens and passengers with disabilities.
- A few blocks prior to your destination, inform the driver that you want to stop
by either pulling the stop request cord or pressing the call button.
- If you need to take more that one bus to arrive at your destination, ask the driver
for a free transfer when you exit the bus. If your bike is on the on-board rack,
inform the driver you need to get your bike.
- For your safety, do not cross the street in front of the bus.
How to Find and Read a Bus Schedule
- Reading a bus schedule for the first time can be confusing. Be patient with yourself
as you learn a new skill that will help you gain independence and mobility. Here’s
a list of where to find Schedules in your Neighborhood
or download any from our Fixed Route or
Commuter Express pages
- Locate your destination on a route map.
- Identify the bus route.
- Choose a weekday or Saturday timetable.
- Determine the trip direction.
- Match the bus stop color to the timetable.
- Determine the best arrival time and depart accordingly.
- Locate your bus stop and step aboard.
- For more help, download Laketran’s Planning Worksheet or call 440-350-1012 for assistance.