Be in the Know - Mass Transit & Right To Work

A couple things to pay attention to in 2012 and beyond;

First - the Central indiana Transit Task Force revealed a plan to meet the public transportation needs for Indianapolis and the surrounding counties. The first phase would be completed by 2021 and include:

Double the amount of local bus service in Marion County and add service in Hamilton County

Four bus rapid transit (BRT) corridors featuring hybrid or electric vehicles with dedicated lanes

Five express bus routes with limited stops and quick access 

Frequent bus circulator service in downtown Indy

Multiple transfer hubs throughout region

Rail service in NE rail corridor from Indianapolis to Noblesville

The proposal is in the hands of the Indiana General Assembly and bears watching.  The price tag is estimated at $1.3 billion.  The task force is proposing a .3% increase in county option income tax in Marion and Hamilton counties.

Benefits are stated as:

Time savings, improved traffic flow, affordable transportation options, access to public services, vehicle operation savings for travelers, reduced pollution, increased property values near transit stations, reduction in accidents.

 

Second  -  Right to Work Legislation

House Speaker Brian Bosma and Senate President Pro Tem David Long have both labeled it their top priority this session and the Governor is saying it would make the state more economically competitive.  

This is not the venue to do anything except draw your attention to the fact that it will be up for debate and to get the facts from both sides and make your own informed decision.