IndyGo can't run shuttles to Indy 500

If you are going to the Indy 500, don't plan on taking the IndyGo shuttle to and from the track. Starting this year, the bus service won't be providing shuttles for fans.

It's not that IndyGo doesn't want to run these shuttles. Officials say they've been told by the federal government that they can't.

According to IndyGo, the Federal Transit Administration last year adopted new rules limiting how public transportation agencies compete with private bus companies.

In 2008 the FTA granted IndyGo a last-minute waiver that allowed IndyGo to run shuttles for the 500.

IndyGo applied for another waiver this year but they were denied. Now only private charter buses will provide the shuttles to and from the 500.

IndyGo officials say this is just another example of why Indianapolis needs a better mass transit system.

“If we had the type of mass transit system here in Indianapolis that this area really needs to have, really this region needs, this really wouldn't be an issue. We would have every day type service to support region's getting back and forth to work but also supporting events of this size. And that is what we would like to get to.” Mike Terry, President of IndyGo, said.

Last year IndyGo used about 110 buses for about 10,000 passengers on race day because these were special rides costing $15.

This year the town of Speedway will select up to four bus companies to run shuttles along four different routes. Tickets will be anywhere from $15 to $20.