The transportation agency currently known as Seneca-Crawford Area Transportation (SCAT) announced the expansion of its services to Huron County in a press release. The organization also asked for public input on a new name for it.
“SCAT is a nonprofit public transit agency serving Seneca and Crawford Counties,” said President of the SCAT Board of Directors Mary Hay.
In an agreement with Huron County Commissioners and the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), the transportation agency will add Huron County to its service area beginning Jan. 2, 2024.
“Public transportation is an important focus area for both the commissioners and ODOT, and this new agreement will bring added public transportation expertise and resources to Huron County,” said Chuck Dyer from the Ohio Department of Transportation.
SCAT Safety Manager Ron Davidson said they decided to expand in Huron County after they were approached by Huron County Commissioners in the summer of 2023. It was a few years ago that SCAT expanded to Crawford County, Davidson said.
The agency is funded through grants that are often found including with the help of the Ohio Department of Transportation, he said.
SCAT is known for providing public transportation service in the area. Davidson said they currently serve all ages and social groups, including college students and seniors, and administer transportation services for a variety of requests including grocery shopping.
The current change does not impact either SCAT’s services in Seneca and Crawford counties or senior transportation in Huron County.
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“Residents of Seneca and Crawford counties will still receive the same level of outstanding public transportation they’ve come to expect and appreciate,” said SCAT in its press release. “The Enrichment Centers for Huron County will continue to offer senior transportation in Huron County.”
To reflect the expansion, SCAT also sought the public’s input on a new name. The names under consideration were North Central Area Transit; North Central Transit; Transportation Agency of Northern Ohio.
The two early leaders, said Davidson, were North Central Area Transit; North Central Transit.
To request transportation service in Crawford County, please call 419-617-7191. The cost of a ride within Bucyrus city limits is $2, a ride from Galion to Bucyrus will cost $5, and some trips outside of the county’s limits are available with advance booking, said Davidson.
