Episode Details

Parking is shrinking on Fort Myers Beach, traffic is still a reality, and a lot of people are wondering what “better transportation” can actually look like in Southwest Florida. We sat down with Dominic Gemelli, Director of Lee County Transit (LeeTran), to talk about what’s working now and what’s next for public transportation in Lee County, from fixed route buses to ADA paratransit and newer Mobility On Demand service.

Dominic explains how LeeTran covers a huge, sprawled county and why reliability is the real benchmark, especially for riders who depend on transit for medical appointments and daily essentials. We dig into the tools that make riding easier, including real-time arrival info, transfer center displays, and the Leafair app for tracking and fare payment. We also talk honestly about a big local misconception: many riders here aren’t choosing transit as a trendy alternative, they’re using it because they don’t have another option, which makes service quality and safety non-negotiable.

Then we get specific about Fort Myers Beach. We cover the seasonal beach tram, the Route 490 park and ride trolley, and the Route 410 trolley stretching from Bowditch to Lovers Key, plus practical rider questions like what you can bring onboard for a beach day. Dominic shares updates tied to Hurricane Ian recovery, new shelters and benches, and how redevelopment may shape future routes and ridership. If you care about traffic congestion, affordable travel, and a safer way to get around Lee County, this conversation is packed with useful details and local context.

If this helped you see transit differently, subscribe, share it with a neighbor, and leave a review so more Southwest Florida listeners can find it. What would make you try the bus or trolley this month?

LeeTran- Lee County Transit
Dominic Gemelli
3401 Metro Parkway, Fort Myers, FL 33901
(239) 533-8726
rideleetran@leegov.com
rideleetran.com

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