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Licking County Transit plans Hebron/Buckeye Lake service for July after January launches in Heath and Newark
Summary
Licking County Transit told Hebron officials on Dec. 18 that new routes will begin in Heath and Newark on Jan. 6, 2025, and the agency expects to extend service to the Hebron/Buckeye Lake area at the beginning of July; officials discussed outreach, vehicle replacement and driver training.
Matt Allison of Licking County Transit told the Village of Hebron Combined Council Committees on Dec. 18 that LCATS’ 2025 transit plan calls for service to begin in Heath and Newark on Jan. 6 and for routes to reach the Hebron/Buckeye Lake area at the beginning of July.
The presentation, delivered by Allison and accompanied by maps and ridership data, outlined a transit development plan shaped by a county survey and route analysis. Allison said the fleet has been rebranded and a new scheduling and tracking software has been launched. He said the agency is pursuing public/private partnerships and a mix of funding sources to support operations and that vehicles are on a purchase-and-replacement program.
"We completed the survey, built a master plan from ridership data and have rebranded vehicles to improve identification," Allison said. He told council members that travel training is available to help residents become familiar with routes, schedules and how to use the system.
Mayor Valerie Mockus said outreach will be important so residents understand what to expect and feel comfortable using the service. "It will be important to help people understand what to expect and how the system will operate, so they will feel less anxious about using the service," she said.
Councilmembers asked operational questions during the presentation. Annelle Porter asked whether vehicles are on a replacement program; Allison said they are. Porter also asked where driver training comes from; Allison said LCATS partners with a training program to prepare drivers.
Allison said the county intends to launch service in Heath and Newark on Jan. 6; service in the Hebron/Buckeye Lake area is expected to begin at the start of July, subject to final scheduling and stops. Mayor Mockus said participation and the village budget play a role in local stops, and she warned that without local support, downtown Hebron stops could be discontinued.
Next steps noted in the presentation include finalizing routes and schedules, coordinating public outreach and confirming funding and stop locations. The council did not take a formal vote on the transit presentation during this meeting.
