History of Lextran and Public Transit in Lexington
Public transportation in Lexington, KY began back in 1874 with omnibuses, oversized horse-drawn stagecoaches. These omnibuses were operated by a private company called the Lexington Railway Company. The name was later changed to the Lexington Street Railway Company to avoid confusion with the steam railroads.
From 1890 – 1938 transit in Lexington was dominated by streetcars. This system was known as the Kentucky Traction and Terminal Company and was owned by Kentucky Utilities. However, Kentucky Utilities traded the system to Mr. D.D. Stewart for some coal to run one of the power plants located near Pineville on Route 25E. Mr. Stewart renamed the system the Lexington Railway System when motor buses replaced streetcars in early 1938. The Lexington Railway System then became the Lexington Transit Corporation. This name held during two changes in ownership and management until 1972.
Prior to 1972, the public transportation system in Lexington was privately owned. By the early 70’s the Lexington Transit Corporation’s expenses began to outgrow revenue. In April 1972 the local government incorporated the system under KRS 96A as the Transit Authority of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government, commonly known as Lextran, and began operating in December 1973.
Lextran Today
Today, Lextran serves people and our community with mobility solutions. Lextran employs over two hundred people and operates a dynamic fleet of over 65 vehicles. This fleet includes compressed natural gas, battery-electric, hybrid-electric, and diesel buses. Lextran operates 25 fixed routes and a door-to-door paratransit service. Regular bus fare is $1.00, and there are a variety of reduced fares and pass programs available to individuals who qualify. All buses are equipped with bike racks and are wheelchair accessible.
