Indy Mass Transit

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Comment by Thom Davis on March 17, 2009 at 8:53am

Hey all, check out the Urban Planning Scholar Series event, Transportation for Livable Cities, featuring Vukan Vuchic, PhD. Dr. Vuchic will discuss the role of transit in achieving livable cities: those that are economically efficient, socially sound, and environmentally sustainable. He will present on Monday, March 23, from 1:30 – 3:30 PM here in Indianapolis and again that evening in Bloomington. Additional event details can be found on the UPSS webpage . Please share this invitation broadly within your network and among your colleagues.

Comment by Brandon R. Lott on January 28, 2009 at 11:16pm

Hail to the Masses...

I know that it has been several months for any postings or activity with the group. However, at the end of 2008 several big events and announcements were made to move Indiana's Mass Transit system one step closer to reality. First, back in Oct. 2008 60 Indianapolis-area business & civic leaders made a trip to Denver, CO. The purpose of the trip was to experince first had the Denver Regional Transportation District or Light Rail. The DRTD services eight counties (31 municipalities) w/ 83 light-rail vehicles running on 35 miles, integrated with 1070 buses. The other major decision was the go ahead for diesel on the Nickel Plate line connecting Noblesville and Indy. The next challenge is the competition for securing federal funding, and finding state and local funding sources to raise the $160 million it will take to prime the system. Those funding options are being raised in the General Assembly now. The two bills, HB 1660 filed by Representative Terri Austin and SB 479 by Senator Tim Lanane, are companion bills that define the creation of local option funding mechanisms for regional mass transit. A poll taken back in October indicated that 87% of Central Indiana residents agree that this type of system is needed badly. A 70% of those surveyed support public funding. (Strongest support coming from residents in Hamilton, Boone and Henricks counties).

Below you will find the a recent letter from Christine Altman, President of CIRTA. Read it and post comments!


Letter from the President

The future of mass transit for all in Central Indiana moved closer to reality in 2008. 2009 promises even bigger strides forward.
In the context of cutbacks in bus service and rising IndyGo fares, that might sound like an odd statement. But progress made last year moved us closer.
Now with Central Indiana's business community and CICP backing studies and research that support a regional transportation vision, the team of folks support our effort is complete. The Central Indiana Regional Transportation Authority (CIRTA) will continue its leadership with growing support from all its partners to bring mobility options to our neighbors and visitors - improving and connecting all forms of public transportation to give area residents better access to jobs, cultural amenities and community services.
Thanks to a lot of hard work from a number of people - as well as considerable input from citizens - the region is about to embark on environmental studies for its first light rail line. As has been reported, a line would connect the people and places from Noblesville to downtown Indianapolis with service and access for the neighbors in between. This first path is chosen because of the steadily increasing population, congestion and economic development in northeast Marion County and southern Hamilton County, and makes use of the existing Nickel Plate rail line, in partnership with the Hoosier Heritage Port Authority.
If all goes smoothly, that line could be ready as soon as 2012, while we continue work in connecting all nine regional counties by rail and regional bus service. Our goal is to provide all central Indiana residents with greater mobility, increased economic opportunities, reduced energy consumption, transportation options and better air quality.
Getting to this point has been a long process. As resident of the Central Indiana Regional Transportation Authority, I've been impressed by the tireless work and visionary leadership provided by my fellow board members as well as the Metropolitan Planning Organization, and the Indianapolis Regional Transportation Council. Working together, these groups investigated options, studied other cities' mass transit systems, talked with scores of interested individuals and organizations, conducted public forums and pursued funding opportunities.
At the same time, we've seen enthusiasm for mass transit grow in other circles. An independent poll conducted by the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce and the Metropolitan Indianapolis Board of REALTORS found more than 87 percent of central Indiana residents think additional transportation options are needed. Business leaders identified mass transit as second only to health care costs in terms of importance to the local economy. Commuters boarded new bus services. Legislators presented bills, aimed at increasing funding for mass transit, to the Indiana General Assembly. We look forward to more support from other business leaders and organizations forming committees and task forces to investigate the impact, opportunities, and value that a comprehensive, regional transit system will offer Central Indiana.
We continue to serve as your primary contact for Central Indiana's mass transit future, and are working with IndyGo and the rural transit providers to build the best solutions for today's transit challenges.
So, if you have questions, comments or concerns about mass transit in Central Indiana -we are your partners - visit www.cirta.us or call 317-327-7585. Together, we can, if you'll pardon the expression, keep our progress on track.


Christine Altman, President
Central Indiana Regional Transportation Authority

Legislators File Bills to Fund Mass Transit

The Indiana General Assembly has reconvened with legislators giving attention to the issue of mass transit. Two bills, HB 1660 filed by Representative Terri Austin and SB 479 by Senator Tim Lanane, are companion bills that define the creation of local option funding mechanisms for regional mass transit. CIRTA will be following legislative issues and encourages you to get involved and monitor the process. To contact legislators or learn more about proposed legislation for transit or other issues, visit the Indiana General Assembly's website: www.in.gov/legislative.

CIRTA Board Meeting, Wednesday January 28th at 9 AM

The CIRTA Board will meet on Wednesday, January 28th at the United Way of Central Indiana, 3901 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis. The public is welcome to attend.


Visit the UPDATED www.cirta.us for other useful links and information.

Comment by Brandon R. Lott on January 28, 2009 at 11:15pm

Light Rail Fwd.....HOOOOOO!

If you are regular reader of the IBJ these days Mass Transit in Central Indianapolis is a regular topic of interest. I seem to always be running behind on my IBJ issues, and now just posting up on an article I read back in December. I have to give props to Chris. Leinberger with the IBJ for correctly stating the need for building an infrastructure for the 21st metropolitan city through "walkable-urban" high-density areas. This is opposite of the building strategies of the past 60 years of the 20th century's "drivable suburban". This is show with the redevelopment and growth of Central Indiana's cultural districts. Leinberger identified that these walkable urban developments will not be confined to just downtown and the surrounding areas, but also to places like Carmel's City Center. As Indy uses models for these developments like Washington D.C. and Denver, CO there could be as many as 12 more areas of cultural development and interest.

Hey asked why does this matter? The answer is because Central Indianapolis and its rising younger generation taking over has signed up for 21st-century knowledge-based economy. The market wants and demands areas that promote more energy-efficient and emit fewer greenhouse gases. This is a reason why cities like Indianapolis loses its young adults to cities like Chicago. You must build for what the next generation demands and will utilize! We are hurting our economy's development as they move else where to start companies.

By building a rail-based mass transit system we as a city are committing ourselves to the 21st century. The development is would compliment the usage and design of these walkable urban areas. The merger of these two trends are coming together at the perfect time for the Indianapolis economy.

Comment by Brandon R. Lott on January 28, 2009 at 11:14pm

CIRTA Video #1

Comment by Brandon R. Lott on January 28, 2009 at 11:13pm

CIRTA Video Blog #2

Comment by Brandon R. Lott on January 28, 2009 at 11:12pm

CIRTA Video Blog #3
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Comment by Victoria Pardue-Edwards on November 10, 2008 at 3:23pm

Mid North Public Safety Committee requests your attendance Tuesday, November 18, 2008 - 6:30pm-7:45pm - The College Ave. Branch Library (42nd & College Ave.)

On The Agenda;

Karina Struab, Indy Parks Greenways Manager, to discuss a Citizens Trail Watch along the Monon Trail
IMPD Major David Allendar
also IMPD Burglary Task Force is scheduled to attend
Public forum to address neighbor concerns

*Neighborhood Leaders, please share this meeting date with your residents and neighbors.

Sincerely,

Mid North Public Safety Committee

Ed Potts
Mid North Public Safety
Director
MidNorthPublicSafetyCommittee@yahoo.com




Victoria Pardue-Edwards
Mid North Public Safety
Community Relations Organizer
http://www.change.org/mpsc

Comment by Kevin M. Hill on October 27, 2008 at 12:30pm

I don't know that mass transportation from Carmel & Fishers shoudl be low priority. I speak with absolutely no expertise on the subject, mind you. However, isn't our most congested rush hour traffic (therefore slowdowns, negative environmental impact, higher feul consumption) down the 69/37 corridor. Seems to me that would be the quickest impact.

I just returned from Atlanta, where for $2 each way, I took a train from the airport to the Buckhead district. Imagine if visitors to our city could board a train at the new airport, and be taken to Downtown, Broad Ripple, Castleton and parts in between. Whether we view it from an environmental impact, or a economic incentive for conventions, meetings, etc., a link to the airport would seem to be high on the list.

David, I would be interested to hear more about your request for transporation within 465. What deficiencies does IndyGo have that could be corrected to meet that need?

Comment by Victoria Pardue-Edwards on October 20, 2008 at 12:25pm

Saturday, October 25, 9 AM - 4 PM.
Glendale Mall, Kite Realty Overflow Parking Lot
6101 North Rural Street, Indianapolis (East of Lowe’s)
Acceptable items include:

Aerosol Cans, Lawn Care Products
Automotive Fluids, Paint Thinners
Cell Phones, Paints & Stains
Computers & Laptops,Pool Chemicals
Computer-related Items, Propane Tanks (up to 20 lbs.)
Fluorescent Light Bulbs, Thermometers
Gasoline & Gas Cans, Thermostats
Glue & Adhesives, Upholstery & Carpet Cleaners
Household Batteries, Used Motor Oil
Household Cleaners, Wood Preservatives, Stains & Varnishes
The following electronic items will only be collected during this event:
Televisions (under 27” diagonal)
VCRs and DVD Players
Gaming Systems
Stereos & related items
Telephones, Telephone Answering Machines, & Facsimile Machines, and
Small Personal Electronics (phonographs, tape/CD players, gameboys, walkmans, radios)
For more information regarding this event or the ToxDrop program, please contact the Office of Environmental Services at (317) 327-2234

Victoria Pardue-Edwards
Mid North Public Safety Committee
Community Relations Organizer
http://www.neighborhoodlink.com/indy/mnpsc/

Comment by David Monroe on September 8, 2008 at 3:04pm

Great to see this group. Indianapolis needs a cheap, reliable and convenient mass transportation system within the 465 loop. If we had that, so many of our citizens would no longer be disenfranchised. Is there anything in the works on this? Giving people from Carmel and Fishers mass transportation, while nice, should be low on the list of priorities.

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