Indianapolis Transit Proposal Focuses On Frequency Over Coverage

The report cites the need for "a tripling of bus service, the development of bus rapid transit, and the creation of a commuter rail corridor would require the implementation of a local sales tax. A light rail line once considered has been put on the back burner." "The local metropolitan planning organization is likely to endorse the recommendations in December," writes Yonah Freemark.

While the measure's will connect much of the city's previously isolated suburbs to the south it is considerably "less than Indianapolis will need to expand transit mode share significantly, and in fact there was public support for significantly less roadway funding than the proposal advocates."

"Frustratingly, the proposal recommends significantly delaying the funding and implementation of the proposed light rail line along Washington Street, the only really rail-ready corridor in the region because of its relatively higher densities. But light rail is considered too expensive here and bus rapid transit would be built in its place." Another confusing recommendation calls for the creation of four bus lines running north from downtown to 38th street, all within 600 feet one another.