Despite the temporary victory for transit advocates in Indianapolis, the battle over transit funding continuous in the Indiana General Assembly.
"Senate Bill 141, which jeopardized the planned Purple and Blue bus rapid transit lines, will not advance out of House committee by deadline," reports Ethan May. The bill won approval from the State Senate but stalled in the House Roads and Transportation Committee, according to May.
The Purple and Blue routes are planned to supplement existing BRT service that opened on the IndyGo Red Line in September 2019.
In an article from January, May explained the reasoning of State Senator Aaron Freeman (R-Indianapolis), who drafted the bill. According to that article, "Freeman said his bill is intended to protect taxpayers by holding IndyGo accountable to a 2014 law that requires the agency to raise funds to cover a certain percentage of its costs."
The IndyGo Purple and Blue lines might have won the battle, but the war is far from over. Just a few weeks after SB 141 failed in the Indiana House of Representatives, the State Senate voted to add an amendment to a utilities bill that could cost IndyGo millions, according to yet another article by May.
"Sen. Aaron Freeman, R-Indianapolis, filed the amendment to House Bill 1191. The amended bill initially dealt with local governments' ability to control utility connections. The amendment requires IndyGo to reimburse utility companies for the relocation of utilities related to projects," reports May.
FULL STORY: Bill threatening IndyGo bus rapid transit dies in the House
Indianapolis Receives FTA Grant for New BRT Line
The Blue Line will be the third bus rapid transit corridor in the city.
Indiana Once Again Considering Ban on Dedicated Transit Lanes
The proposed legislation would impact the construction of planned IndyGo Blue Line, the third phase of the city’s bus rapid transit system.
Bus Rapid Transit Costs More Than Double in Indianapolis
IndyGo is planning changes to the Blue Line. The city’s third bus rapid transit route is turning out to be much more expensive than originally expected.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions