Lexington’s city council approved expanding a proposal that would introduce microtransit to the city during its regular Thursday meeting.
Microtransit is a cross between public transportation and ride-sharing apps like Uber or Lyft. It’s designed to offer commuters more flexible routes.
The proposal was amended to fund two separate pilot projects over the next two years. The original would fund an operation in northwest Lexington by the city’s transit authority, LexTran.
The council had already allocated $250,000 to fund the LexTran pilot in this year’s budget. The proposal would add another $475,000 to fund it further.
Councilmembers voted to also include $375,000 in funding for a pilot from United Way’s Ride United Program, which would be county-wide.
At-large Councilmember Chuck Ellinger has been leading the push to add microtransit to city streets.
“I'm all for whatever we can do to help increase public transportation,” Ellinger said. “I think it's one of the basic necessities, besides shelter and food, that we really need to work on.”
Advocates say microtransit would help Lexington’s accessibility needs for the disabled and elderly, and for those who don’t have cars. Joyce Carmouche was among those residents who spoke in favor of expanding Lexington’s public transit system.
“We know that so many Lexingtonians who do not have access to personal vehicles depend on that system for getting them to employment, doctors visits, grocery shopping and many other necessary daily errands. However, we are all also aware that there are serious gaps in the service, and it's practically unavailable to many of our citizens.”
The council is putting $850,000 towards the two projects in total. The council voted to advance the proposal on its first reading. It’s up for second reading and approval Dec. 2.
