Lextran presents $37.97 million FY2026 budget, outlines microtransit pilot and fleet priorities

Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council heard a presentation on the Transit Authority of Lexington-Fayette (Lextran) fiscal year 2026 operating and capital budget at its May work session and voted to place a resolution approving the budget on the May 29 council meeting docket.

Fred Combs, general manager of Lextran, told the council the FY26 proposal is a balanced budget of $37,968,002, with about 70% of revenues driven by property tax and a roughly $6 million reserve. Combs said the authority expects about 3.5 million fixed-route trips next year and about 170,000 paratransit (Wheels) trips.

Why it matters: Lextran’s budget sets spending and capital priorities that affect transit frequency, paratransit service quality and the timing of fleet replacements. Combs warned tariffs and uncertain federal funding add pressure to costs and capital planning, especially for paratransit vehicles the authority says are its most significant unmet need.

Combs highlighted capital and service items included or planned in the FY26 package: a transit center interior renovation already under way; completion of compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling and maintenance improvements; ten fixed-route buses and ten paratransit cutaway buses currently in the budget; one additional electric bus covered by an existing grant; and backend technology upgrades for real‑time information. He said the authority has…