The Plan
The proposed long-range transportation plan is designed to connect people to people and people to places around Central Indiana. It's intended to provide transportation options – from bus, to rail, to roadways and pedestrian and bike pathways – and connect people to jobs, healthcare, education and shopping. It's intended to increase Central Indiana's competitiveness and economic development opportunities, while improving the environment, job growth opportunities and quality of life.
A plan endorsed by local elected officials and civic and business leaders in December 2011 suggests a phased implementation – beginning with a 10-year plan to be built in Marion and Hamilton counties. Additional counties could join during that time period and service would be extended within that county according to the plan.
Highlights of the proposed transportation plan include:
Bus: Doubling of the current bus service in the first 10-years, with eventual expansion to nearly triple the current size. This means significantly less wait time between buses and longer hours of service, plus more direct routes. Also included is the addition of community circulators and express bus routes.
Bus Rapid Transit (BRT):
Four BRT lines that provide service to highly traveled areas. BRT runs every 10-15 minutes and controls traffic signals to reduce travel time. BRT has frequent stops at upgraded transit stations with lighting, benches, and announcements so travelers know when the next bus is arriving.
Rail Transit: The first phase of this plan envisions rail transit northeast between downtown Indianapolis and Noblesville, with frequent stops in Marion County. In the future, additional lines could extend south from Indianapolis to Franklin and northwest from Indianapolis to Zionsville.
Light Rail: Over time, some corridors initially introduced as Bus Rapid Transit would become light rail transit – which is a rail service that runs in dedicated lanes but is separated from traffic.
Bike and Pedestrian Pathways: Plans for hundreds of miles of proposed trails and pathways that connect to buses, rail and roadways and to indentify gaps where connections are missing.
Roadways and Bridges: Expanding, maintaining and improving the roadway and bridge system includes road resurfacing, bridge repairs, intersection and pavement improvements, as well as connectivity with walkers and bikers through new sidewalks and bike lanes and paths.