LeeTran expands ULTRA On-Demand service in Lehigh Acres

LEHIGH ACRES, Fla.—Months after residents told WINK News they were struggling to get around without a car, LeeTran is expanding its ULTRA On-Demand service in Lehigh Acres — and transit leaders say one of their biggest challenges is simply getting people to know it exists.

During a WINK Listens event in November, neighbors said limited bus access and long distances to stops were making everyday trips difficult. For some, ride-share services and taxis were too expensive. Others said traffic and rapid growth were making it harder to get around.

“I have a problem with public transportation,” said Lehigh resident Marie Bobbs. “It doesn’t come up to where I live.”

Starting March 5, LeeTran will expand the service area for its ULTRA On-Demand zone, adding more neighborhoods across Lehigh Acres. The new boundaries stretch west to Alvin Avenue, north to Buckingham Road, south to Second Street, and east to Columbus Boulevard.

Lee County Transit Director Dominic Gemelli said the expansion is meant to keep pace with growth — but he emphasized that awareness is just as important.

“We want to be able to bring the service to more folks here in Lehigh Acres," Gemelli said.

ULTRA operates differently from traditional bus service. Instead of waiting at a fixed bus stop along a set route, riders can request a shared van directly from their phone.

To use the service, riders download the “LeeTran ULTRA On-Demand” app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. After creating an account and entering payment information, users type in their pickup location and destination within the designated service zone. The app shows an estimated pickup time, assigns a nearby vehicle, and lets riders track the van in real time on a map — similar to popular ride-sharing apps.

Trips cost $3 per ride, and multiple passengers heading in the same direction may share the vehicle. For those without smartphones, LeeTran says rides can also be booked by phone by calling 239-533-8726.

The expanded zone now includes more residential neighborhoods and destinations such as the East County Regional Library, grocery stores, medical offices, and government services. The service operates seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and connects riders to fixed-route buses traveling into Fort Myers.

Gemelli said the goal is to make everyday trips — from doctor’s appointments to grocery shopping — easier and more affordable.

For residents like Bobbs, who say traffic along Homestead Road, State Road 82, and Lee Boulevard has intensified with population growth, having a curb-to-curb option could provide more independence and fewer expensive ride-share trips.

LeeTran is also offering a promotional fare of $1.50 per ride for trips to and from the Lehigh Acres Park and Ride.

County officials say as Lehigh Acres continues to grow, expanding access — and making sure residents understand how to use it — will be key to meeting transportation needs.