Licking County Transit is set to launch its new No. 5 Buckeye Lake/Hebron Route on Monday, July 7, beginning operations at 5 a.m.
"This is going to open new doors for a lot of people. Maybe they could get places but be challenged getting there," said Buckeye Lake Mayor Linda Goodman in a Licking County Transit video. "And now they can make a plan without calling a relative or a friend. They'll know what the bus routes are if they need to run to the grocery store or to the library, into Hebron, into Heath, and then on the same note, people from that direction, maybe wanting to come to the lake for the day and fish, or enjoy North Shore State Park, or enjoy our businesses in the village."
According to Licking County Transit Executive Director Matt Allison in the video, there will be two models for the new route. One is an express model that takes people directly to job centers from 1717 West Main down and back. A local service will enable individuals to visit locations such as grocery stores, libraries, and municipal offices.
Licking County Commissioner Tim Bubb said in the video that providing this bus route addresses needs for young people and those who face transportation challenges in accessing stores or healthcare facilities. He described Buckeye Lake as a typical American community with areas showing evidence of poverty alongside more developed sections.
Village of Hebron Mayor Valerie Mockus mentioned in another Licking County Transit video that awareness of transit options will increase as buses and stop signs become more visible. She noted that many families inquire about housing for relatives moving back to Licking County. This route offers them an alternative means of commuting without worrying about car payments.
A social media post by Licking County Transit outlined that the No. 5 Buckeye Lake/Hebron route's express service will start at their transfer location at 1717 W. Main St., Newark, travel through Hebron to Buckeye Lake and return. It serves key employment areas and connects with all transit routes. The local route will run hourly loops starting in Buckeye Lake and connecting to Hebron during non-express hours for local community destinations. Routes operate Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m., with each bus equipped with a bike rack for riders' convenience.
