Medina County, Greater Cleveland RTA agree to use Drake and Howe stop to preserve Laurel Square service

Medina County commissioners on Thursday approved an agreement with the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority to use the Drake and Howe bus stop as a transfer point for riders who previously boarded at Laurel Square. The action was taken by roll call and was approved unanimously.

The resolution, presented by Shannon Ryan of the county transit office, authorizes a contract between the county and the Cleveland RTA to facilitate transfers for riders heading into Cuyahoga County. "We're going to work with Cleveland RTA to transfer clients, that want to get into Cuyahoga County," Ryan said, calling the arrangement "a big win" after plans to close Laurel Square had threatened the connection.

The county described the agreement as both collaborative and fiscally beneficial to the transit agency. Commissioners asked no substantive questions before approving the resolution; the roll call recorded Commissioner Sweatick, Commissioner Hambley and Commissioner Harrison voting yes.

The literature handed to the commission includes a rider alert and a photo of the Drake and Howe stop. The transit office said the item had been in development for several months and had been presented to the Brunswick City Council, which expressed support. The agreement fills a scheduled service gap created by the impending shutdown of Laurel Square.

The contract was approved as part of a routine resolutions block during the meeting. No public comment on the item was recorded.