Lorain County officials announced March 26, 2026, that new federal funding has been secured to expand the county’s on-demand microtransit service, ViaLC, as demand for rides continues to grow.
The funding will be used to support expanded service hours and improve access to major employment and retail areas, according to county officials. Additional details on the total amount of funding and a specific timeline for the expansion were not provided.
ViaLC is an on-demand shared ride service that launched in July 2024 in the cities of Lorain and Elyria. Riders can request trips through a smartphone app or by phone, with service connecting residents to jobs, healthcare appointments, grocery stores, schools, and other daily destinations.
County officials say the program has seen steady growth since its launch. The service is expected to surpass 150,000 completed rides this week, with ridership more than doubling compared to its early months. Approximately 70,000 rides were completed during the program’s first year.
Officials say demand for the service currently exceeds available capacity, which is one of the reasons for the planned expansion.
Lorain County Commissioner David J. Moore said the program has become an important transportation option for residents, helping people access work, healthcare, and other essential services. Deputy Administrator Karen Perkins said the county is working to build a system that better fits residents’ schedules and needs.
The service was introduced as part of the county’s effort to modernize public transportation and address gaps left by traditional fixed-route bus service. ViaLC uses smaller vehicles and routing technology to group riders traveling in the same direction.
It is not known at this time when expanded service hours will begin or how many additional residents will be reached through the expansion. It is also not known whether the service area will expand beyond Lorain and Elyria.
County officials said they plan to continue investing in the program and exploring ways to increase capacity as demand continues to rise.