MPO board adopts resolution backing Leitran safety and asset targets for 2026

The Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization board voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 26‑07, endorsing Leitran’s calendar‑year 2026 safety and transit‑asset targets.

Ron (staff) told the board that agencies receiving FTA formula funds must set annual safety targets and transit asset‑management benchmarks and recommended the MPO support Leitran’s targets. “Resolution 26 0 7 should be adopted in support of the lead trend targets for calendar year 2026,” Ron said.

Board members pressed staff on the consequences of exceeding the federal “useful life” benchmarks for vehicles and facilities. A commissioner asked whether deferring vehicle replacement would increase repair and maintenance costs. Dominic (agency official) answered that some vehicles—“probably 2 to 3 buses”—are already beyond the useful‑life benchmark because of long manufacturer and delivery lead times, not necessarily because of poor maintenance. He said the agency expects electric buses in service for seasonal service starting in November and additional diesel buses shortly after that.

Speakers emphasized that meeting these targets helps secure federal grant funds for vehicle replacements. One board member framed the targets as an eligibility and funding issue rather than a simple performance metric: tracking and reporting targets positions the agency to compete for grants that pay for new buses.

The board moved and approved the resolution on roll call with all members voting in favor. The board did not direct additional immediate policy changes; staff will continue to monitor vehicle delivery schedules and report back as part of routine monitoring and grant‑related work.

The MPO next steps include recording the adopted resolution in board minutes and maintaining the data the agency used to set the targets for federal reporting.