Environmental council in favor of mass transit

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - The Hoosier Environmental Council favors expanding mass transit in Indiana.

Senior Policy Director Tim Maloney said during a conference call Monday discussing legislation that could improve the state's environment and economy that public transit expansion could help reduce the need for cars and allow for cleaner air. Maloney also emphasized economic benefits such as giving those who can't drive access to jobs and encouraging urban development.

An Indiana House panel last week approved a bill that calls for central Indiana public referendums intended to help fund mass transit projects. The bill would allow voters in Marion and Hamilton counties to decide whether to raise local income taxes 0.3 percent to fund their local share of a proposed $1.3 billion mass transit plan.