A major plan that could revamp mass transit throughout Central Indiana. Officials are calling it the future of transportation.
It was a packed house as the transit task force unveiled its plans for expanded rail and bus service for Marion and Hamilton Counties Tuesday.
Al Polin was there because he wanted some answers.
"I really don't care much for driving anymore and if I could jump on a bus and go where ever I wanted to go and come back, I'd be there."
Polin said he doesn't want his taxes to go up, but he said he's willing to make, what he calls, an investment in the future.
"It is important that we quit thinking of ourselves and think about everyone else too," Polin said.
Supporters say having an expanded rail and bus system will help with the area's population, one that continues to grow.
"If we don't make this investment, then I am afraid we are going to continue to see some parts of our community deteriorate, continue to fragment and force some people to move outside the community," said Joe Slash, Indianapolis Urban League.
The task force said its next goal is to work with state lawmakers to get the plan added to 2012's legislative session. A referendum could be in the hands of voters by November of next year.
"In the end, we believe this should not be about being a Republican or a Democrat, there is a lot in it for both sides' constituents."
According to the task force, the system itself has four corridors:
- 38th Street to just past Lafayette Road
- Washington Street through town to the airport
- Greenwood to Indianapolis to Broad Ripple to Carmel
- Near the University of Indianapolis to Keystone to Hamilton County to Carmel
If approved, Hamilton and Marion County residents would see a 0.3 percent increase in their income taxes.
