GoBus representatives joined local leaders and members of the Logan County Friendly Senior Center for a ribbon cutting celebration Thursday to mark the beginning of the new GoBus stop at the center, 934 S. Main St. (LOGAN COUNTY CHAMBER PHOTO)
Community leaders, city and county officials and GoBus representatives gathered Thursday, June 4, to celebrate the addition of Bellefontaine to GoBus's growing transportation network, marking a significant step forward in connecting Logan County residents to destinations across Ohio and beyond.
The Logan County Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at the Logan County Friendly Senior Center, 934 S. Main St., which will serve as the local GoBus stop.
Each day, there will be two northbound and two southbound stops at the Logan County Friendly Senior Center with routes than span from Cincinnati to Toledo. You can buy tickets and learn more at https://ridegobus.com/
Mayor Dave Crissman boards the GoBus during the ribbon cutting celebration. (LOGAN COUNTY CHAMBER PHOTO)
For the past 15 years, GoBus has provided transportation between rural communities and larger cities, helping residents access healthcare, education, employment opportunities, airports and other essential services.
What began as a response to a transportation need has grown dramatically. During its first year, GoBus provided approximately 10,000 trips. Last year, that number exceeded 120,000 trips, bringing its total ridership to more than one million passengers served.
Today, GoBus operates in 63 cities, including service to three airports, with additional expansion planned.
"Adding Bellefontaine is a good fit because of the number of people in Logan County as well as the tourist attractions," said Kirby Dearth, ODOT Transit Grant Coordinator.
"One of the things we want to do is encourage people to travel to places like Bellefontaine, which has a lot of interesting things to do all year round."
Gwyn Stetler, center, director of the Logan County Friendly Senior Center, and others speak during the ceremony Thursday afternoon. (LOGAN COUNTY CHAMBER PHOTO)
Dearth noted that GoBus was originally created to bridge the transportation gap between rural counties and larger communities, providing affordable and reliable travel options for residents who may have limited access to transportation.
Logan County Commissioner Mike Yoder welcomed the new service and praised the partnership that brought it to the county.
"This is a great addition to Logan County, the commissioners are glad to see this expansion," Yoder said. "GoBus offers accessibility to all."
Several local partners were recognized during the ceremony. HAPCAP representative Scott Fisher thanked the Logan County Engineer's Office, Mobility Manager Tam Blakely, and Gwyn Stetler, director of the Friendly Senior Center, for their efforts in helping establish the local stop.
Stetler said the Senior Center was a natural fit for the service.
"We're right on U.S. 68, we have a large parking lot for people to leave their vehicles, and it's convenient for seniors as well as others throughout the county," she said.
The addition of Bellefontaine gives Logan County residents a new transportation option while also opening the door for visitors from other parts of the state to experience the county's growing list of attractions, events and destinations.
Officials expressed optimism that the new stop will benefit both local residents seeking transportation and travelers looking to discover what Logan County has to offer.
Bellefontaine City Council member Mick Lile, left, and Christie Barnes, Mary Rutan Foundation director of community outreach, check out the interior of the GoBus. (LOGAN COUNTY CHAMBER PHOTO)
