News

The Eaton County Transportation Authority will launch its second Connector service in Eaton County – four months after the Charlotte Connector, Route 80, returned to service. The Grand Ledge Connector, Route 81, will travel from the Grand Ledge Meijer to the Delta Township Walmart beginning May 1, and operate Monday through Friday, 6:50 a.m. – 6:50 p.m. Saturday service will start with an 8:30 a.m. departure from the Delta Township Walmart; the last departure from the Grand Ledge Meijer will be at 4:50 p.m.

Buses will serve stops on a one-hour frequency, including the Grand Ledge Meijer, Grand Ledge High School, Relevant Academy, Grand Ledge City Hall, Serenity Place Apartments, FunTyme Adventure Parks, Townsend on the Park Apartments and Delta Township Walmart. The Connector will travel along Saginaw Highway between Delta Township and the City of Grand Ledge. Commuters can connect to CATA’s Route 3 on Marketplace Boulevard for continued eastbound travel in Delta Township or to downtown Lansing. Route 3 fare and service information.

“This is a first for EATRAN and the City of Grand Ledge,” said EATRAN Executive Director Bradley T. Funkhouser. “The Charlotte Connector created a blueprint for regional mobility. Considerable thought, planning, research and collaboration were required to bring this concept to life in Eaton County. I’m proud of my team at EATRAN for delivering a mobility solution that includes the voice of our riders and residents.”

“The launch of EATRAN’s second Connector service in Grand Ledge brings to fruition a shared vision between EATRAN Executive Director Brad Funkhouser, Eaton County Commissioner Terrance Augustine, the residents of Eaton County and me,” said State Representative Angela Witwer. “This vision has been years in the making. This past January, EATRAN kicked off the Charlotte Connector. Today, I am proud to introduce the Grand Ledge Connector. County residents; our community deserves access to outstanding public transportation services within the 579 square miles that comprise our county. We are removing transportation barriers, one Connector at a time.”

EATRAN Board Chairperson Terrance Augustine added, “Public transportation is not only a convenience, it’s critical to our region. The Grand Ledge Connector represents a significant investment in our community and our residents. It speaks to the long-term commitment that went into making this service a reality. First, Charlotte and now the Grand Ledge Connector. It is our goal at EATRAN and at the Eaton County Board of Commissioners to provide consistent and reliable regional public transportation that connects all of our residents to the entire Lansing Region.”

Scheduled departure times will be posted at bus stops. If arranged 24 hours in advance, Connector buses will deviate up to three-quarters of a mile from the established route for pickups beyond designated bus stops. Call 517-543-4087 to schedule a ride or visit eatran.com for details.

EATRAN will host a media ride-along Friday, May 3, aboard the Grand Ledge Connector.