Getting Around Fairfield
Fairfield is a name shared by many communities, and the practical travel advice below applies to Fairfield County, Ohio, whose countywide public transit system is branded "The LINK." If you are visiting a different Fairfield, the general principles of using local buses, taxis, and ride-hailing will still apply, but the specific services described here are those of Fairfield County Transit.
Public Transport: The LINK
Fairfield County Transit, known as The LINK, is the public transit agency serving the county. It describes its mission as providing safe, affordable, and accessible transit countywide. For a visitor, the system breaks down into two main ways of travelling: fixed routes and on-demand rides.
- LINK Lines are fixed loop routes running on regular schedules with published stops, serving Lancaster and Pickerington. Routes can deviate from their normal path on request, so it is worth asking whether your destination can be served directly.
- LINK Direct is a curb-to-curb or door-to-door service that must be reserved in advance. Same-day trips may be possible if space allows, but you should expect longer waits and a higher fare.
- Non-Emergency Medical Transportation is available for eligible Medicaid recipients travelling to and from medical appointments.
- Out-of-town trips are limited and require advance reservation, subject to space being available.
Buying Tickets and Paying Fares
Fares on The LINK are inexpensive, and the system offers a few straightforward ways to pay and book.
- Book or reserve rides by phone, or use the Pingo app, which also lets you schedule, cancel, and track buses live.
- The EZfare app is available for mobile payment.
- Printed and alternative-format materials, including large print, Spanish, and audio versions, can be requested.
- Reduced fares apply for children travelling with a paying adult, and a mobility program offers lower rates for eligible riders.
Hours and When Service Runs
Service is concentrated on weekdays, with more limited weekend and holiday coverage, so plan around the schedule rather than assuming a bus will be along shortly.
- LINK Direct operates Monday to Friday during the day and on Saturday with shorter hours.
- Most LINK Lines run Monday to Friday from morning into the evening.
- The Pickerington Line runs Monday to Friday during business hours.
- The Lancaster–Pickerington Connector runs a handful of scheduled departures each weekday.
- Reservations are taken Monday to Friday during business hours.
- There is no service on major national holidays such as Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
Connections Beyond the County
If your trip extends past Fairfield County, The LINK connects with partner services including COTA, GoBus, and Logan Public Transit. Commuters using alternative transportation may also be able to use an emergency ride home program that provides a free ride if they are stranded by an emergency, illness, or unexpected overtime.
Accessibility and Assistance
The LINK is designed to be accessible, and riders who need extra support have several options. A mobility program offers reduced fares, and there are formal processes for requesting reasonable accommodations and for filing accessibility or discrimination complaints. A telephone relay service is available for TTY users, and customer feedback forms are provided.
Practical Tips for Visitors
- Call ahead or use the app to reserve LINK Direct rides, especially for time-sensitive trips such as appointments or connections.
- Check whether your stop falls within a route's deviation area before assuming you will need a separate on-demand trip.
- Keep the holiday closures in mind when planning travel around major national holidays.
- Ask about partner connections if you are heading to or from outside the county.