By Christine Altman
Headlines this week about IndyGo’s commuter express bus routes grabbed public attention and renewed discussion—among transit users and non-users alike—about the state of transportation options in Central Indiana.
Conversations circle on who has service, who uses it … and who wants it—and why. And they will continue to evolve as CIRTA (the Central Indiana Regional Transportation Agency) works with IndyGo and the City of Indianapolis MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization) to fine-tune transportation planning for our near-, short- and long-term future.
Good. These are important discussions, and they need to extend beyond the relatively short life of three demonstration routes in Carmel, Fishers and Greenwood. While vital to research and planning for regional transportation, these three commuter routes were funded by a one-time CMAQ (Congestion Mitigation Air Quality) grant to find out what kind of interest transit might generate in a few key corridors.
The results are encouraging. We learned from the demonstration service that there is commuter demand for transportation between Downtown Indianapolis and the partnering communities. Yet this is a single element in the full research process underway for developing a transit system worthy of a region the size of Central Indiana.
Already, despite severely limited resources and funding, IndyGo provides between 8.5 and 9.5 million rides each year—with service mostly ending at the Marion County line. All the while, population densities and traffic congestion in certain corridors are obvious targets for regional connectivity. So while commuter stress in certain corridors (such as Greenwood) may be less severe than in others (e.g., Fishers and Carmel) , that doesn’t mean our regional transportation plan won’t plan for growth and transit service to these surrounding counties to accommodate future increases in density and for alternate mobility options.
Of course. The vision of regional transit is a comprehensive system of multiple transportation types—a combination of fixed routes and express service provided by buses and rail—that connect with sidewalks, trails and bike routes. The system takes people to work, to school, and to leisure and cultural activities in a convenient, affordable way.
So, what does this discussion and planning related to regional transportation mean for greater Indianapolis residents and visitors? That’s easy: We are preparing for a future of growth and accessibility throughout the region. As one doesn’t happen without the other.
Development of transit impacts several layers of our vision to become a world-class city. It is a key driver to business growth, marketable livability and tourism. By enhancing employee access to jobs and business access to employees—and by improving traffic congestion, air quality and other quality of life factors, Central Indiana will only enhance its allure to a range of suitor types.
But that’s not all. Safe, reliable and economical transportation choices decreases household transportation costs, reduces our nation’s dependence on foreign oil, improves air quality, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and promotes public health. It’s not just about us.
It will take a little time though. Rest assured: There’s planning; it’s regional; and it is being developed in phases to ensure that it’s a meaningful and sustainable plan for Central Indiana.
So let’s keep talking. The future of transit in Central Indiana has never looked more promising.
Visit http://www.cirta.us/ for up-to-date information about transit developments.
To learn more about IndyGo and access trip planning assistance, please visit http://www.indygo.net/ or call IndyGo Customer Service Center at 635-3344.
For more about the benefits of public transportation, visit the American Public Transportation Association website at http://www.apta.com/.
Join the Indiana Citizens’ Alliance for Transit: http://www.indianacat.org/ to help promote transit options statewide.
Altman is the chair of CIRTA, the Central Indiana Regional Transportation Authority, and is a Hamilton County Commissioner.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Friday, September 18, 2009
Four things we must do … in a particular order
After we clarify that CIRTA is not a mattress company, folks unfamiliar with us often ask what we do. My first response is to say that we’re developing a system of transit alternatives for the Central Indiana region. Their blank stares prompt me to add, “You know: commuter rail, busses, carpooling, sidewalks … all that stuff.”
That usually does the trick. In fact, at that point, most folks are interested enough to ask, “So, what do we need to do to build this system?” My answer is always the same: “Four things.”
1. Create a regional transit vision. CIRTA isn’t looking at only one route, mode or community … we’re working with area planners and business and community leaders to develop a regional transit vision. Soon we’ll share that vision and work through a public involvement process to build consensus and understanding of our long-range vision – a vision in which bus and rail work in concert with improved sidewalks and trails for pedestrians, increased capacity for rural/on-demand transit providers, and expanded rideshare programs for car and van pooling.
2. Create the organization to implement that vision. While CIRTA, a coalition of county and local governments, is leading the charge on regional transit, a number of other Central Indiana entities also are getting involved, including three metropolitan planning organizations, 10 rural on-demand transit providers, three bus companies, one ride-share program, and a regional transportation authority. These entities work well together, but it makes you wonder: Is this conglomeration the best way to deliver a regional transit system? Is there a better model?
3. Figure out how to pay for building and operating this vision. Regardless of what the final vision is, we need to assess our opportunities for transit funding and get the policy in place to make it a reality. In other regions, this requires a mix of local, state and federal funds. Certainly, there’s room for public-private options, but all systems require some kind of public investment.
4. Build and successfully operate the northeast corridor rail line. Nothing says, “We can do this!” like actually getting it done, and done well. Central Indiana hasn’t made a significant investment in transit in decades. The first leg of a regional commuter rail system will kick us into high gear. Now we’re in the environmental documentation phase for the northeast corridor line; it should last about a year. Then we’ll get into funding and design, with a goal of construction in 2012. It won’t be easy, and it won’t be a perfect process, but we must get this first line built.
This is our action plan. It won’t happen in a vacuum. It requires new partners and energy, fresh ways of thinking, and a commitment to doing what’s best for the long-term good of our community.
That usually does the trick. In fact, at that point, most folks are interested enough to ask, “So, what do we need to do to build this system?” My answer is always the same: “Four things.”
1. Create a regional transit vision. CIRTA isn’t looking at only one route, mode or community … we’re working with area planners and business and community leaders to develop a regional transit vision. Soon we’ll share that vision and work through a public involvement process to build consensus and understanding of our long-range vision – a vision in which bus and rail work in concert with improved sidewalks and trails for pedestrians, increased capacity for rural/on-demand transit providers, and expanded rideshare programs for car and van pooling.
2. Create the organization to implement that vision. While CIRTA, a coalition of county and local governments, is leading the charge on regional transit, a number of other Central Indiana entities also are getting involved, including three metropolitan planning organizations, 10 rural on-demand transit providers, three bus companies, one ride-share program, and a regional transportation authority. These entities work well together, but it makes you wonder: Is this conglomeration the best way to deliver a regional transit system? Is there a better model?
3. Figure out how to pay for building and operating this vision. Regardless of what the final vision is, we need to assess our opportunities for transit funding and get the policy in place to make it a reality. In other regions, this requires a mix of local, state and federal funds. Certainly, there’s room for public-private options, but all systems require some kind of public investment.
4. Build and successfully operate the northeast corridor rail line. Nothing says, “We can do this!” like actually getting it done, and done well. Central Indiana hasn’t made a significant investment in transit in decades. The first leg of a regional commuter rail system will kick us into high gear. Now we’re in the environmental documentation phase for the northeast corridor line; it should last about a year. Then we’ll get into funding and design, with a goal of construction in 2012. It won’t be easy, and it won’t be a perfect process, but we must get this first line built.
This is our action plan. It won’t happen in a vacuum. It requires new partners and energy, fresh ways of thinking, and a commitment to doing what’s best for the long-term good of our community.
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