INDIANAPOLIS (February 1, 2016) – Based on years of planning, IndyGo, with the support of the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and Central Indiana Regional Transportation Authority (CIRTA), is shepherding a Marion County transit plan through a public involvement process. Throughout the month of February, public meetings, community outreach, and input opportunities will solidify a strategy for significant mass transit improvements in Indianapolis.
Since 2009, various studies and sustained public involvement under the banner Indy Connect have helped sculpt a detailed plan for regional mass transit. This spring, the IndyGo Board of Directors could endorse a Marion County plan aligned with this regional strategy while serving local needs. By 2021, the expanded system would bring high-frequency service to nearly 250,000 more residents and jobs, running seven days a week with a 71% increase in total service hours.
“Rapid transit routes like the Red Line that are part of the Indy Connect plan have garnered significant public attention over the years,” said Metropolitan Planning Organization Executive Director, Anna Gremling. “These lines are exciting, but they’re just part of a more detailed plan to improve transit across the region.”
Aside from the proposed Red, Blue, and Purple rapid transit lines in the plan, sweeping improvements to the local bus service have been detailed including buses coming more often, earlier in the morning, and later into the night. A new grid pattern for the bus system will make for easy transfers and quicker travel seven days a week.
“Access to transportation is one of the strongest factors that affect economic mobility,” said IndyGo President and CEO, Mike Terry. “A robust transit system has the ability to empower people by connecting them to employment and education, revitalize neighborhoods, give residents more lifestyle options, and access to daily necessities.”
Legislation passed by the State legislature gives some counties in Central Indiana a new funding mechanism for transit by calling a referendum. The plan for Marion County assumes passage of a referendum in 2016 at .25% with new funding available in 2017.
“We are eager to talk about these plans to greatly enhance our services,” said IndyGo Director of Public Affairs, Bryan Luellen. “Feedback from the public is a hallmark of our planning process.”
Public comments received through the end of February will be reviewed and considered for any final revisions to the plan ahead of an endorsement decision by the IndyGo board of directors in March.
Public meeting locations and dates: Friday, February 5 at Central Library Knoll Meeting Room Open House from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. with a brief presentation at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, February 13 at the Haughville Library Open House from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. with a brief presentation at 12:00 p.m. Monday, February 15 at Community Alliance of the Far Eastside (CAFÉ) 8902 E. 38th Street Open House from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. with a brief presentation at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, February 27 at Central Library Knoll Meeting Room Open House from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. with a brief presentation at 12:30 p.m.
Other opportunities to learn about the plan: Plan details are available online and at the IndyGo Retail Center, 34 N. Delaware Street. IndyGo is also offering unstaffed information displays at various library branches. More details online.
Comments can be made in writing at a meeting or at an unstaffed information display, online, or through customer service at 317.635.3344.
Individuals requiring any accommodations for access to information should contact the IndyGo marketing department at 317.614.9295. Reasonable accommodations will be made upon request for materials in foreign languages, Braille, large print, or electronic means.
