Red Line Rapid Transit Project Progressing
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowAs construction continues on the high-profile, $96 million Red Line Rapid Transit Project in central Indiana, the director of public relations at IndyGo says ongoing, system-wide investments are already bearing fruit. The first phase of the Red Line will run between Broad Ripple and the University of Indianapolis and the public transportation organization says it will "serve as the frequent spine of the improved and reliable grid network." Lauren Day says ridership on routes where frequency or operation hours have been increased is up by an average of four percent. In an interview with Inside INdiana Business Reporter Mary-Rachel Redman, Day said the Red Line will provide an "elevated experience" for passengers.
The route is part of the broader Marion County transit plan that was approved by voters in late-2016. It is designed to boost service by 70 percent over the next five years. The Red Line covers 16 miles and will result in quicker service that Day says will put its speeds on par with car travel. "The Red Line will operate primarily in dedicated lanes, which will get the bus out of traffic and the traffic out of the bus," she said, "so that’s what allows it to be the frequent, reliable, every-10-minute service."
The project involves new stations, some road and sidewalk improvements and other infrastructure work designed to give buses on the route a more clear path to its destinations. Construction began in June and the Red Line received its final installment of federal funding last week. The Red Line is expected to be complete next spring. Connect to more about the project by clicking here.
