LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council approved a $725,000 contract with Lextran for a microtransit pilot project on May 26, advancing a long-sought initiative to address transportation gaps in northwest Lexington while grappling with public criticism over security spending and downtown development plans.

The council work session moved forward numerous budget amendments and new business items through unanimous voice votes, including the Lextran project that will serve the Versailles Road and Newtown Pike area with on-demand service. The 12-month pilot represents the culmination of advocacy by BUILD, an interfaith coalition of 26 congregations seeking to fill transit service gaps for residents living too far from bus stops or unable to afford rideshare services.

Lextran General Manager Fred Combs emphasized fiscal responsibility in the project design, noting the transit authority will operate its own vehicles rather than hire a contractor to maximize local government spending. The service is expected to operate from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily and charge $3 per trip, with passengers receiving free transfer cards for connections to fixed-route buses.

During public comment, however, community members raised concerns about other council priorities. Martin Rivers criticized budget allocations for security, urging the council to redirect funds toward community-wide initiatives like Narcan distribution. Rolanda Wolfork expressed frustration with the Downtown Area Master Plan, citing a lack of meaningful community engagement, particularly regarding the inclusion of her neighborhood. Recent community input sessions have raised questions about whether East End residents will be adequately represented in the planning process.

The council also approved several other contracts during the session, including $7,000 for trauma counseling services through Andrews Counseling and Consulting PLLC for a youth summer program, and $56,000 for installation of a fire sprinkler system at Arbor Youth Services. Additional business items included speed limit reductions on three residential streets and authorization of speed humps on Glenn Place, part of the ongoing Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program.

A Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Fraternal Order of Police was approved, expected to cost an estimated additional $6.8 million over four years through June 30, 2030. The council also advanced zoning changes and approved various intergovernmental agreements, including a data-sharing arrangement with the Jessamine County Sheriff regarding evictions.