Lakeland Community College, Laketran introduce 'Lakers GO' partnership
Dec. 13—Lakeland Community College and Laketran recently announced the launch of "Lakers Go," a digital bus pass aimed at increasing student access to Laketran's Local Routes 1-9.
The new pass can be opened through the EZfare transit app on any mobile device and continues to allow students to ride the routes, free of charge, to travel to campus, jobs, internships, activities, community resources, and more.
Last year, the agency provided 12,500 bus rides to Lakeland students, and officials expect that number to grow.
"We're not changing the service — we're just improving how students will access it," said Laketran CEO Ben Capelle. "With our mobile fare payment app, we can now put bus passes right on students' phones, so if a ride is needed, it's conveniently available."
The student transit benefit program was first launched in early 2000, and, in that time, Laketran has provided over one million trips on local bus routes to help students get to classes and training programs.
"We have appreciated our partnership with Laketran," said Lakeland Associate Provost and Dean of Students Mario Petitti Jr. "The partnership has been vital for many students, opening doors to higher education, and we are proud to continue this collaboration, making college more accessible to individuals in our community."
Laketran officials noted that students will be able to continue to swipe a valid student ID at the fare box when they board through 2023 to verify eligibility.
However, all students must transition to the Lakers GO pass on EZfare by January.
Laketran schedules are available on campus at the Frank J. Polivka Transit Center, the admissions office, the library, and the athletic and fitness center.
The agency also offers free Campus Loop service.
To sign up for the Lakers GO pass:
—Download the EZfare app from the Apple App Store or Google Play
—Create an EZfare account using Lakeland Community College email
—Fill out the Lakers GO registration form, available on the Laketran website, or a Google Doc
After registration, the pass will be added to the EZfare account within 24 hours, during weekdays.
For additional information about Lakers GO or assistance with bus schedules, contact Laketran at 440-350-1008 or via email at marketing@laketran.com.
