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LeTran presents 10-year transit development plan; consultant proposes mobility-on-demand conversions for low-performing routes
Summary
LeTran staff and consultant presented a five-year major update to the 10-year Transit Development Plan recommending nine route modifications, six frequency increases and mobility-on-demand pilots — notably a proposal to replace Cape Coral’s Route 40 with a MOD zone if ridership declines.
LeTran presented its Transit Development Plan (TDP) update to the Lee County MPO on Dec. 12, detailing a three-phase short-, mid- and long-term approach intended to align a 10-year service plan with existing operating resources.
Dawn Huff (LeTran planning and scheduling manager) said the TDP is required for agencies receiving state transit grants and included substantial public outreach and technical analysis. Consultant Ryan Suarez described the short-term plan as effectively cost neutral: "What can we do with our existing resources, be much more efficient," he said, and outlined nine routes proposed for modifications and six routes recommended for increased frequency.
A key recommendation is use of mobility-on-demand (MOD) for some low-performing fixed routes. Suarez and LeTran staff estimated the Cape Coral MOD zone would require about four smaller vehicles to meet a 30-minute response standard. Board members raised concerns that significant near-term development could increase ridership demand and cautioned that removing fixed Route 40 before demand materializes could be premature. LeTran representatives said the plan is a blueprint and remains flexible: if ridership grows, fixed-route service can be retained and MOD zones adjusted.
The TDP requires Board of County Commissioners adoption before final submittal to FDOT. The MPO will continue coordination as LeTran moves to implement short-term changes in 2026, pending BOCC approval and additional stakeholder outreach.
