LeeTran reports modest ridership gains, paratransit usage and progress on electric-bus infrastructure

Kelly Fernandez of LeeTran updated the MPO on operations and capital projects.

Fernandez said fixed-route ridership through May is up about 1.5% year over year and on-time performance is up 3%. Paratransit passport service averages about 550 passenger trips daily and remains a key service for transportation-disadvantaged riders; May volumes were slightly lower due to typical summer seasonal patterns but year-to-date trips are up 2% over the prior year.

LeeTran's Ultra Mobility on Demand (MOD) service carried 5,346 passengers in May, with 3,465 trips in Bonita Springs and 1,881 in Lehigh Acres; the Lehigh Circulator route 515 contributed 1,667 trips for a Lehigh total of 3,548. LeeTran said expansion of the Lehigh MOD zone resulted in a 31% increase in trips from the prior year.

On capital work, the ADA bus-stop improvement project has 22 stops advertised for construction with contractor onboarding expected by August and completion of the first group of stops planned thereafter; Fort Myers CRA-funded shelter purchases for up to 12 shelters are in design with installations anticipated by summer 2027. The electric-bus project has charging-infrastructure design at 90% with delivery of electric buses and staff training expected this fall. Repairs to LeeTran's hurricane-damaged facility are under way using an FTA emergency repair grant with completion expected by fall 2026.

Why it matters: Ridership trends, ADA stops and electric bus infrastructure affect transit accessibility and the MPO's planning decisions for service and capital investment.

What's next: LeeTran offered to provide third-quarter ridership information at the MPO's September meeting and will continue advancing charging-infrastructure design and procurement steps.