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Elyria committee approves $250,000 funding request to continue VIA transportation pilot
Summary
Finance committee approved an ordinance to fund continuation of the VIA Transportation program July 2025–June 2026; the city will consider splitting payment across two budget cycles at staff discretion. Officials cited more than 31,000 rides and nearly 2,000 active users in Elyria since July 15.
The Elyria Finance Committee on Monday approved a funding request from Lorain County Transit to continue the VIA on‑demand transportation program in the city for the program year July 2025–June 30, 2026.
The committee voted to authorize an ordinance to provide $250,000 to Lorain County Transit; the motion carried by voice vote. The committee record states the monies had not yet been appropriated. The administration discussed the option of splitting the city contribution across two budget cycles if the committee and finance director preferred.
Lorain County Commissioner Dave Moore described the VIA pilot’s local reception and partnerships, saying the county and the cities of Elyria and Lorraine "embraced it immediately" and that the program was executed rapidly using ARPA and other grant funds. Commissioner Moore said the pilot showed strong demand and that the county and partners are seeking ongoing local participation.
Councilmember Armstrong provided usage figures for Elyria: "From July 15 until yesterday 31,878 rides have been accomplished." He added that there are "almost 2,000 active ride users" in the city. Council members and the commissioner discussed how the service operates, including app and phone booking, a target ten-minute wait time that had at one point increased to about 18 minutes, and fare arrangements (seniors ride free; students pay $1).
Mayor Brubaker and others said the city could split the payment over two budget years (for example, $125,000 in each year) and that the finance director would determine the appropriate fund. The committee requested an emergency clause for the ordinance; the motion passed by voice vote.
The record includes discussion of partnerships with Mercy Hospital and Lorain County Community College and a suggestion to consider Greyhound drop-off/pick-up locations as part of broader transportation planning.
