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During last week's hearing on SB 141 -- a bill which would risk essential transit service, federal funds for infrastructure, free/reduced fares for para-transit, vets & students -- we heard many claims that need to be addressed. Welcome to SB 141 Hearing Clarification: A thread.
Claim: The community didn’t know what the Blue Line would look like.
Most robust outreach plan in the Central Region. 880 events since 2016, 125 specific to Blue Line. Residents were made aware of BRT plans before 60% of voters passed the referendum. >
Most robust outreach plan in the Central Region. 880 events since 2016, 125 specific to Blue Line. Residents were made aware of BRT plans before 60% of voters passed the referendum. >
Claim: IndyGo isn’t upholding their end of the bargain because they’re not raising the money from private sources.
Existing legislation doesn't require fundraising from private sources. SB141 would change the rules & restrict state & fed funds from counting toward requirement >
Existing legislation doesn't require fundraising from private sources. SB141 would change the rules & restrict state & fed funds from counting toward requirement >
Verbal and written correspondence from FTA confirm IndyGo will be prohibited from moving forward w/ Purple Line and Blue Line if state and fed grants are excluded from being counted toward 10% requirement.
Let's repeat - prohibited from moving forward. >
Let's repeat - prohibited from moving forward. >
Claim: The Blue Line could be redesigned with shared lanes.
An initial alternatives analysis DID say shared lanes could be used on Blue Line in 2012. NEW guidance from FTA in '14 clarify dedicated lanes are REQUIRED to receive fed funds. >
An initial alternatives analysis DID say shared lanes could be used on Blue Line in 2012. NEW guidance from FTA in '14 clarify dedicated lanes are REQUIRED to receive fed funds. >
The route must include at least 50% dedicated lanes. This requirement is individual to each BRT line, each of which is handled as a separate project receiving separate grants from the FTA. >
Claim: The Blue Line will cause a traffic nightmare on Washington Street.
From Indy DPW: Impact to vehicular traffic will be within the acceptable range, only adding 1-4 minutes to the motorist commute. BRT will also add pedestrian safety measures like crosswalks & sidewalks. >
From Indy DPW: Impact to vehicular traffic will be within the acceptable range, only adding 1-4 minutes to the motorist commute. BRT will also add pedestrian safety measures like crosswalks & sidewalks. >
Claim: IndyGo can still improve Washington St without the Blue Line project or dedicated lanes.
Without dedicated lanes, Blue Line is not eligible for FTA grant. Blue Line cannot be implemented. No funding for repaving, sidewalk connections, or other improvements. >
Without dedicated lanes, Blue Line is not eligible for FTA grant. Blue Line cannot be implemented. No funding for repaving, sidewalk connections, or other improvements. >
Indianapolis DPW has expressed that they are counting on the federal funds received through the Blue Line project to implement much-needed repairs on Washington Street, and that those improvements would not happen anytime soon without those funds. >
Claim: Emergency response vehicles won’t be able to navigate the dedicated lanes.
IndyGo + public safety agencies developed the approved Emergency Vehicle Interaction Procedure. Safety plan was signed off on by IFD, IMPD, and EMS for Red Line & will do same for future lines. >
IndyGo + public safety agencies developed the approved Emergency Vehicle Interaction Procedure. Safety plan was signed off on by IFD, IMPD, and EMS for Red Line & will do same for future lines. >
Emergency vehicles can also use the dedicated bus-only lanes, allowing them to pass motorist traffic safely and see minimal to no impact to response time. >
Claim: Red Line ridership doesn’t support another BRT line.
The Red Line is one part of a system that needs to work together. On Route 8, to be replaced by Blue Line, ridership was over 1 million in 2020, closely followed by the Red Line with over 900,000. The need is there. >
The Red Line is one part of a system that needs to work together. On Route 8, to be replaced by Blue Line, ridership was over 1 million in 2020, closely followed by the Red Line with over 900,000. The need is there. >
“Expanding these new projects would expand the number of students who are able to rely on public transportation much more, and allow us to have better access to better education.” - A Student Rider
And that's how we end the thread.
#TransitIsEssential
And that's how we end the thread.
#TransitIsEssential
Oh one more thing. Op-ed: IndyGo's Blue and Purple lines could make access to healthy food easier
https://www.indystar.com/story/opinion/2021/02/17/how-indygo-blue-purple-lines-could-affect-healthy-food-access/6726244002/
#TransitisEssential
https://www.indystar.com/story/opinion/2021/02/17/how-indygo-blue-purple-lines-could-affect-healthy-food-access/6726244002/
#TransitisEssential
