Mass transit backers regroup for next year
Despite years of intensive public and politician outreach, a transit bill died in the House Ways and Means Committee in late January by an 11-10 vote. Supporters plan education push, one-on-one meetings.
Mass Transit
Articles
Central Indiana mass-transit bill dies in committee
A bill that could have led to a new mass-transit system in Indianapolis and surrounding counties failed in committee Thursday morning.
Mass transit plan faces likely defeat, bill sponsor says
Chairman Jeff Espich said the central Indiana mass-transit plan faces almost certain defeat in the House Ways and Means Committee, and he is still mulling whether or not to bring it to a vote.
Transit plan may boost real estate investment
A proposed $1.3 billion transit system might bring redevelopment to urban neighborhoods. Yet transit proponents have surprisingly little to say about how much the system could generate in new real estate investment.
EDITORIAL: It’s time to jump on the transit train
The leading regions of the 21st century won’t be those that just keep adding roads to accommodate the glut of gas-chugging vehicles.
Mayors back transit tax hike in Marion, Hamilton counties
Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard say more local transit options are needed despite the steep cost. A ballot referendum would be required so voters could consider a 0.3-percent income-tax increase to pay for a $1.3 billion project.
Passengers likely would shoulder chunk of transit system costs
Federal transit data suggests passenger fares would generate about one-fourth of the money needed to operate a suburban rail and expanded bus system proposed for the region.
Civic leaders urge Ballard to tackle woes facing urban core
Community leaders are coalescing around a three-prong strategy to attract residents and capital to neighborhoods from just outside downtown to the borders of Interstate 465. It’s not yet clear whether all the initiatives will have the full support of Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard.
Private funds may kick-start rail-transit plan
An innovative private financing deal struck last year to expand Denver’s rail transit system could be used to expedite construction of the first line in central Indiana.
Indiana State Fair features rapid-transit vehicle
Visitors to the Indiana State Fair will have a chance to peek into the possible future of the region’s transit system.
IndyGo seeks funding traction
The Indianapolis Public Transportation Corp. has budgeted expenses of $57 million for 2012, but officials expect a revenue shortfall of $6.4 million because of drops in federal, state and local funding.
CIRTA launches campaign to support mass transit
The goal is to show state lawmakers the support that exists for local funding options that might improve mass transit. Organizers plan to deliver the signatures when the next legislative session convenes in January.
LEADING QUESTIONS: Influential Miles enjoys wide reach
What's the status of the Super Bowl? Mass transit for Indy? Economic development? How is one man so connected? Mark Miles shrugs off "power broker" but fits the bill.
EDITORIAL: Interstate network isn’t enough
Our country’s transportation future is too uncertain for Hoosiers to be almost entirely dependent on cars.
WILLIAMS: Light rail to airport is key for downtown
If Union Station was linked to an urban transportation system extending from downtown to the Hendricks County border, workers in the gargantuan warehouses west of Indianapolis would have access to a reliable transit system.
CAMPBELL: Most of all, mass transit needs a hero
In the next 10 to 20 years, it will be impossible to tout our region as a world-class center of innovation and entrepreneurship without meaningfully addressing transit.
Deal saves Carmel, Fishers commuter bus routes
The service, funded for the last three years by a federal grant that expires on Dec. 31, 2010, was set to end on that date unless new arrangements could be made.
Commuter bus might be saved
Routes to Carmel and Fishers that were to be discontinued at the end of the year are on the verge of being rescued.
Lost funding puts brakes on commuter buses
The expiration of a federal grant will halt a popular suburban commuter bus service at year’s end, but central Indiana transit advocates say it may be just a temporary stoppage.
High-speed rail advocates meet to consider Chicago-to-Indianapolis route
Indiana was rejected earlier this year for federal funding for its part of a Chicago-to-Cleveland route.