I just returned home from attending one of the early public hearings on the future transportation plans for Central Indiana. Once again, was amazed that the folks trying to get this off the ground are stuck looking at plans that include more buses, bike trails, added highway travel lanes and of course commuter and light rail. The public turnout was great, kick off presentation was very brief and sections of the auditorium were sectioned off for each mode of transportation.
The intent for the public hearings is to gain support for the entire intermodal plan. Plan is very comprehensive and bundles all modes of transportation which will make the money needed, “HUGE”.
My partner attended a different public hearing and his take away was that a realistic budget needs to be developed for capital finances and a realistic operations budget be established for phasing each mode of transportation. Mayor Ballard attended this session which shows that the City of Indianapolis has true interest in the project. The transportation plan cannot rely on sales tax, property tax or income tax as the source for revenue for this project. There is already pressure on these revenue sources to meet current State and Local Services.
In our opinion, this transportation plan needs to be funded by the users and not the general public.
Posted by administrator
Feb 23, 2010