Lexington’s mass transit system, like so many organizations public and private, is working to adjust to the current state of coronavirus.
Lextran General Manager Jill Barnett presented the bus system’s budget to the Lexington City Council this week. She said Lextran employees have weathered challenges over the last year.
“Very proud of our employees who have constantly adjusted over the last year and have continued to provide trips to their fellow front line and essential workers. The full impact of the pandemic on public transit and on Lextran remains unknown. It’s unknown how quicky ridership will recover,” said Barnett.
Barnett said funding for Lextran, which includes revenues through a property tax levy, has been sufficient. She noted other public transit systems which rely on other forms of taxation like payroll have taken harder hits.
Lextran continues to diversify its vehicle fleet when it comes to powering buses. This past year four compressed natural gas buses were added to the fleet. And Barnett told Council electric-run vehicles are also part of the mix. “We currently have two electric buses that are in production right now and we expect to receive those, probably receive them in-hand late June. Once they are here, they have to undergo a slight commissioning process, so it will be a little while before they are on the street,” explained Barnett.
Barnett said 65% of bus trips are people going to work or school. She noted ridership has taken a dip during the pandemic and it’s unclear when a full rebound will occur. Barnett added improvements were made to 22 bus stops over the past year. Council Member James Brown said there remains interest among his constituents to see more covered bus stops.
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