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Last updated on Wednesday, September 17, 2014
(INDIANAPOLIS) - A new form of transit in Central Indiana is getting some gas.
Mayor Greg Ballard, transit officials and the mayors of nearby communities are expected to announce today the future development of the first rapid transit line in Central Indiana.
The Red Rapid Transit Line or Red Line is a 28-mile rapid bus transit that would run from Westfield to Greenwood. The buses run on dedicated lanes, run every five minutes and stop about every half mile. Passengers board from a platform and pay at a pay station before they board.
It's been a concept for years, but now a $2 million federal grant is getting those plans rolling.
"We got the two million dollars to plan the route which is a pretty big deal," said Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard.
That funding, according to a spokesman for the mayor, will be used to begin design and engineering.
The Red Line is one of five rapid transit routes proposed as part of the Indy Connect Initiative. According to the Indy Connect website, the proposed transit plan "offers much-needed transportation for those who don't have a car, alternatives for those who don't want to drive a car, and opportunities for jobs, cleaner air and neighborhood revitalization."
Ballard considers the Red Line the most significant of the proposed routes.
"It's the route that has the most potential for economic development," he said.
The Red Line'would connect key destinations including Carmel, Broad Ripple, Butler University, the Children's Museum, Eli Lilly and the University of Indianapolis.
Indy Connect completed a detailed study of the Red Rapid Transit Line in 2013. Public hearings are still taking place for all of the proposed routes which, if realized, would connect commuters from around the city to downtown.
It's unclear when construction would take place following the engineering and design phase.
Today's announcement is at 2 p.m. at the Indianapolis Arts Garden.
For more information on the Red Line and Indy Connect visit indyconnect.org/pages/home/
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