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Medina County transit reports ridership gains, lower trip denials and partnerships preserving regional stop
Summary
Transit officials told commissioners Dec. ridership remained above 2023 averages, trip denials fell sharply, monthly miles saved increased, and a federal funding arrangement will retain a Greater Cleveland RTA stop at Brunswick Laurel Square.
Shannon Bridal, speaking for Medina County Transit at the Jan. 28 commissioners' meeting, reported continued ridership growth, reduced service miles and a substantial drop in trip denials compared with 2023.
Bridal said December ridership stayed above 2023 averages despite colder weather and that the system cut monthly miles by about 4,200 on average compared with 2023 — a reduction she said amounts to roughly 48,000 miles over the year. Transit also reduced trip denials from an average of 47 per month in 2023 to an average of 18 per month in 2024, and in the month reported there were six trip denials.
"Trip denials, happy to say there was only 6. That's 6 too many, as I've said before, but we've made quite a dent from 2023, averages of 47 a month," Bridal said. She attributed improvements to micro‑transit operations and partnerships with agencies that coordinate trips for seniors and other riders.
Bridal said the transit department is entering the third option year with its current supplemental services provider and is exploring technology improvements and contract options to further reduce miles and operating costs. She also reported a positive outcome in coordination with Greater Cleveland RTA: federal funding can support the Brunswick Laurel Square bus stop, preserving that regional connection.
Why it matters: Reduced trip denials and lower miles per passenger can lower operating costs and improve access. Maintaining the Brunswick Laurel Square stop preserves a regional transit connection that benefits Medina County riders who travel to the Cleveland area.
Ending: Bridal said staff will continue to monitor mileage, fuel usage and provider performance and will bring any necessary resolutions forward to commissioners.
