BUILD presents microtransit pilot initiative to urban county council

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) — Those in need of microtransit services in Lexington, may have to wait a bit longer.

“We we have an opportunity here with the the money that we have set aside in the capital projects,” says Lexington Council At-Large member Chuck Ellinger.

Members of BUILD presented their pilot program to the urban city council Tuesday, also laying out how it can be funded.

“We have over $35 million dollars in that, that we could use $400,000 that we could do an 80-20 match and actually get raised $2 million and be able to do this,” added Ellinger.

A tense exchange between the two groups, some city council members saying Lextran should foot the bill.

“You mentioned that you all have not budgeted or planned for this program. And I’m just curious why?” added Denise Gray, Council member for District 6.

Currently, Lextran offers the paratransit service WHEELS but not everyone qualifies for that service.

“Our fixed route service has a gap from about 12:30 to 1 a.m. until 5 to 6 a.m.,” added Emily Elliott, Director of Planning and Community Development for Lextran.

Many in the community, concerned for their neighbors.

“There are areas of the city that are not covered by the public transportation system. There are people who are not covered by wheels. These are an unserved population, and it will be a great help to them in living enriching lives if they can have access to the services that they need, added Katherine Goatz, a member of BUILD.

Although there are grants available without certain funding secured, the city is not prepared to apply for grants.

“The council today can partner with Lextran our pilot project, we have set aside $35 million in capital accounts and our capital account, we could designate $400,000 for a grant that could be leveraged for $2 million,” added Ellinger.

During the meeting, members of urban county council decided to continue the discussion, but not on a new microtransit system.