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Commission hears plan to extend Ride LV microtransit into Lansing; vehicle and operating costs pose timing questions
Summary
City staff, the Guidance Center and Lansing representatives described a plan to expand Ride LV service into Lansing using FTA Section 5311 funding; the grant cycle may not open until FY2027 and vehicle costs were estimated at roughly $140,000 for an ADA 15‑passenger van or $45k–$50k for ADA minivan options, with app/geo onboarding fees of $4,000 plus $650/month per added vehicle.
City staff, representatives from the Guidance Center and a Lansing official presented an update and options for expanding Ride LV microtransit service into the city of Lansing.
City staff said Ride LV’s federal funding is administered through the Guidance Center: "The Guidance Center is actually the grant applicant and recipient, so the money goes to them," a staff presenter said, describing the current Leavenworth service (three microtransit vans, one ADA‑equipped, approximately 1,200 rides per month, $2 per ride).
Tim Vandel, representing Lansing, summarized Lansing’s population profile and prior council commitments: he said Lansing’s non‑incarcerated population is just under 9,000 (about 3,500 households) with roughly 15.7% of residents older than 65. He said Lansing previously authorized one‑time local contributions when they first applied through Guidance Center (a prior local ask included $25,250 toward a vehicle and about $41,000 toward operating expenses in an earlier application).
Guidance Center representative Tyler and city staff discussed mechanics and timing: KDOT administered grants under FTA Section 5311 are the typical funding route, but the next competitive round for that grant may not open until state fiscal year 2027, which could delay vehicle acquisition until 2028. Officials said a new ADA 15‑passenger van via the state purchasing agreement is roughly $140,000; ADA‑compliant minivans that use a ramp are cheaper (roughly $45,000–$50,000) and might serve as an interim option if KDOT pre‑authorizes a used vehicle.
Operational onboarding costs were discussed: staff said adding Lansing to Ride LV’s mapping/dispatch system requires about $4,000 upfront to add territory and roughly $650 per month for each additional vehicle. Commissioners and staff discussed interim options—purchasing a used ADA minivan as a stopgap, ensuring any interim vehicle meets KDOT authorization rules for use of federal dollars, and responsibilities to avoid reducing Leavenworth’s existing service levels while adding Lansing territory.
No formal budget request or vote was recorded; the commission signaled support for pursuing interim options and consideration of future grant applications and asked staff to pursue coordination with KCATA and the Guidance Center. Staff said they will return with more detailed cost specifics and a proposed timeline.
