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Microtransit service reduced after Chrysler Pacifica recall; county, vendor plan temporary driver-owned-vehicle program
Summary
Lorain County transit officials reported service reductions after Chrysler recalled Pacifica minivans used in the county’s microtransit fleet. Vendor Via proposed a temporary program allowing drivers to use qualifying personal vehicles to continue service while recalled vehicles are repaired.
Lorain County officials reported a reduced microtransit service July 14–15 after Chrysler issued a recall affecting Pacifica minivans used in the county’s shared-ride fleet. County staff and the contracted vendor, Via, presented a temporary plan that would allow drivers to use qualifying personal vehicles with vendor-supplied signage while vehicles are under recall repair.
A county staff speaker described how the vendor notified riders by text and posted updates on county and municipal transit web pages. The vendor recommended a temporary program “where the drivers bring their own vehicles” and place county/vendor magnets on qualifying cars, the staff report said.
Service impact and timeframe: Staff said the reduction in service was noticeable on the day following the recall notice and estimated the temporary arrangement would run approximately 30–60 days while recalled vehicles are repaired and returned to service. The county said the program should not increase the county’s contract cost; Via is expected to compensate drivers for mileage and any additional expenses.
Eligibility and safeguards: The temporary program includes vehicle eligibility criteria: vehicles must be no older than two years, have four doors, be a sedan, SUV or minivan, be clean and smoke-free, and carry appropriate insurance. Via will administer driver compensation under the terms of its vendor contract.
Why it matters: Microtransit provides on-demand rides in parts of Elyria and Lorain that are not served by fixed-route buses. Staff called continuity of service important and described the proposed solution as a vendor-driven temporary fix that preserves rider access while the fleet is repaired.
Questions and oversight: Commissioners asked how many drivers and vehicles are involved; staff said there are 13 county-assigned vehicles across Elyria and Lorain and estimated roughly 20 drivers involved systemwide. The county said it will monitor service levels and require the vendor to comply with the temporary program’s vehicle and driver standards.
Ending: Commissioners accepted the update and said staff and the vendor should report back if the repair timeline changes or if costs shift to the county.
