Changes Made to Red Line After Public Hearings

INDIANAPOLIS -- IndyGo has altered its bus rapid-transit plan in order to preserve some street parking and intersections in response to some community concerns.

The transit authority recently wrapped up a series of public hearings on its planned Red Line that will provide enhanced bus service from Broad Ripple south to the University of Indianapolis. IndyGo  heard from a lot of residents that live along the route, especially along College Ave., said spokesman Bryan Luellen.

"It’s going to change the way people use the streets or people access their destinations," he said.

Luellen says some changes allow for the preservation of 30 more parking spots. And moving some bus stations saved some left-hand turns. Most left turns that require drivers to cross the center bus lane will not be permitted on College Ave.

"We have to make some concessions," he said. It’s about balancing the car traffic on the street with the neighborhoods needs and the need for improved transit."

IndyGo will submit a federal grant application this week that would pay for about 80 percent of the $72 million Red Line construction. They’re hoping to open the line in 2018. If the grant application isn’t successful this time, the Red Line could be delayed a year.