The County Line
The Red Line rapid transit bus system is now underway in Marion County, but earlier plans for the mass transportation line into Hamilton County is not part of the current plan. Originally the Red Line was proposed to extend from Indianapolis through Carmel and on to Westfield’s Grand Park.
That plan has apparently been shelved for the time being. The Red Line in Indy will only extend from the University of Indianapolis to Broad Ripple. It is being financed largely by a $75 million federal transportation grant which Marion County political leaders secured. The planned Hamilton County leg of the line failed to meet with great enthusiasm although supporters claim their surveys show it is a popular idea with many potential riders. To include Hamilton County in the Red Line route, the proposal, with a local income tax increase, would have to pass in a voter referendum in the townships which it would serve.
At the present time there are no plans to have the referendum on the general election ballot this year. County Commissioner Christine Altman, longtime advocate for public transportation, said yesterday that there is not enough time to do needed public education on the issue before November.
There was consideration of bringing the matter to a vote in 2016, but then dropped. The thought at the time was that it might be brought back this year. But, interest in the subject has not grown and advocates have not made further efforts to sell the idea. And, at the present time there is no money secured for undertaking the expensive project.
The increase in local option income taxes, amounting to one quarter of one percent of individual income added to the current one percent, would not raise nearly enough money to cover initial construction costs.
The rapid transit line being built in Indianapolis involves special street lanes for new electric powered buses along with covered waiting stations at intervals along the route. That route from Broad Ripple south is to be located along College Avenue to the downtown area.