Dec 18, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

LeeTran Route Changes Take Effect on Dec. 21 

FORT MYERS, FL (DEC. 18, 2006) – Thirteen route and schedule changes will go into effect on Thursday, Dec. 21, making notable improvements in Lee County's public transit system. 

The most significant changes are:

Extension of Route 140 south on U.S. 41 to Coconut Point Mall

Extension of Route 150 north on U.S. 41 to Coconut Point Mall, creating more frequent connections between the Bonita Springs route and the rest of the county. Route 150, which is currently free, will begin charging standard fares on Dec. 21.

Realignment of Route 80 to run from Edison Mall down Metro Parkway to Six Mile Cypress Parkway, including a stop at South Fort Myers High School.
Adding a stop at Gulf Coast Town Center to Route 60

More frequent service on Route 40 in Cape Coral during morning and afternoon peak travel times

Adding Sunday service on Route 90 in North Fort Myers

Adding a third bus to Route 50 to improve frequency from 60 minutes to 50 minutes

Winter season trolley service will begin: there will be 15-minute service on the Summerlin Square Park and Ride trolley to Fort Myers Beach; 15-minute service on the Fort Myers Beach trolley which travels along Estero Boulevard; and hourly service on the Bonita Trolley which travels from Lovers Key State Park to U.S. 41 and Bonita Beach Road. All trolley fares are 25 cents until January 18, when they will be free through April 15, 2007.  

There will also be a minor route change in Route 10 as it enters and leaves the downtown transportation center. Schedule changes are being implemented for four other routes. 

The route enhancements were planned and funded in LeeTran's 2006-2007 fiscal budget. Other changes are being made simultaneously to adjust travel times to current traffic conditions, and improve safety. 

"We're excited about adding service to two new shopping malls and a new high school," says Transit Director Steve Myers. "Creating more connections between Routes 140 and 150 will make it possible for Bonita Springs residents to use public transit to access many more job and shopping opportunities." 

The realignment of Route 80 eliminates service north of Edison Mall, and along Crystal Drive. It will now travel on Metro from Colonial Boulevard to Six Mile Cypress, looping east and north on Plantation Road, then west to terminate at Bell Tower Mall. By shortening the route, frequency will improve from every two hours to every 90 minutes. 

New maps and schedules are available on all buses, and by visiting LeeTran's website at www.rideleetran.com.

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