Indianapolis and public transportation (Fishers, Marion: how much, limo, neighborhoods) - (IN) - City-Data Forum

CHICAGOLAND92 · 03-10-2007, 10:08 PM

I was doing some research on Indianapolis and its public transportation. I found a survey that said 91% of the people surveyed would like to see a LRT (Light Rail Transit) system in Indianapolis. I also saw something about improvements to IndyGo. It seems as if nothings being inforced. WHY!? Indianapolis would do good with a good public transportation system.

What are your opinions on why nothing is happening with the public transportation?

Zig'sbird · 03-11-2007, 09:59 AM

I'm in the car hobby and love driving my car. I would also LOVE to have a nice public transportation system here in Indy. This would help to keep the miles off of my cars

But why isn't it enforced? I would say it's because of Indygo. We see how the city has messed that up so to us, a nice and timely rail system sadly is nothing but a dream.

Southside Shrek · 03-11-2007, 11:30 AM

I believe there was once a commuter train or trolley system between Indy and old downtown Zionsville but that was discontinued.

Zig'sbird · 03-11-2007, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Southside Shrek

I believe there was once a commuter train or trolley system between Indy and old downtown Zionsville but that was discontinued.

There was. It was called the inter-urban. On the Southside, that's where the names for the roads Stop 11 and Stop 12 come from.

sweetana3 · 03-12-2007, 07:02 AM

One reason for no light rail is that the people in Marion County don't want to get stuck paying for the people who live outside to have light rail. The bus system they had for awhile from Fishers to Indy showed there is the desire and need for a gathering spot and then public transport to downtown. It apparently was not a business anyone wanted to take on probably due to lack of profit. The cost of light rail is enormous and we are dealing with some major issues in Marion County without having to pay for suburban transportation.

Second, Indy is huge and spead out. It is hot in the summer and cold in the winter and there are few built up neighborhoods that generate enough bus traffic to pay for themselves. So there are general routes that you can try and use on the major streets to the major spots like downtown or Castleton.

Even light rail to the airport from downtown is questionable. I can already get a limo ride from door to door for $11. How much more in taxes will I have to pay to have the light rail which will not be door to door?

domergurl · 03-12-2007, 11:13 AM

That's what kills me ... they have or had the infrastructure at one time and they just let it rot. That's sad and pathetic.

St. Louis has a wonderful light rail system. So sweet .. your arguments are bunk. People here just don't want to give up their wheels. I love travelling by train, even bus (if it's reliable, clean and safe). There isn't a reason in the world, other than folks wanting to drive their cars, for a light rail system to the airport (that's what St. Louis has) to work.

That is the one thing that this city lacks and Indianapolis will always be considered nothing more than a backwater town with a superbowl championship team until the planners of the city start thinking a little more forward. But then again, maybe the people here are happy with just having the Colts.

domergurl · 03-15-2007, 04:13 PM

I've done the Moscow Metro, the NYC subway, every Chicago Transit authority line, the Boston T. All serve a great purpose for big cities. Indianpaolis doesn't need anything that massive. I say we look to St. Louis. Theirs is simple and could totally be done in Indianpolis. Airport to Union Station, Union station using the old Nickel Plate line up to Noblesville. I don't even favor it because of the environmental impact. I simply like not HAVING to drive everywhere.

OREGONRAIN · 04-09-2007, 10:45 PM

You should come and visit Portland, and see all the light rail, streetcars, buses, and now a cable car to take people up to the hospital area in the hills above downtown. Im glad we have it, I would not want to drive in all the rain and traffic that comes through Portland going between calif and seattle and canada. Most people in the USA just don't want to get out of their cars, some do, but lets be honest most don't, unfortunately, that is why we have the dependence on ridiculous countries for oil and still americans don't get off their ass and vote in transit at least in cities. Indianapolis is another one,

domergurl · 04-10-2007, 05:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OREGONRAIN

You should come and visit Portland, and see all the light rail, streetcars, buses, and now a cable car to take people up to the hospital area in the hills above downtown. Im glad we have it, I would not want to drive in all the rain and traffic that comes through Portland going between calif and seattle and canada. Most people in the USA just don't want to get out of their cars, some do, but lets be honest most don't, unfortunately, that is why we have the dependence on ridiculous countries for oil and still americans don't get off their ass and vote in transit at least in cities. Indianapolis is another one,

Unfortunately, we don't get to vote on public transportation. It never gets that far ... but I can still keep my fingers crossed.

Crew Chief · 04-12-2007, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by domergurl

Unfortunately, we don't get to vote on public transportation. It never gets that far ... but I can still keep my fingers crossed.

Any chance you'd run for mayor, Domergurl?

I like your thinking on mass transit! (Having experienced mass transit in some of the cities you've mentioned, I can't understand why people in many places are so against it.) Heck I'd love to be able to take mass transit to my job, but I don't ever see that happening. Sigh...