Group to launch transportation campaign

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - A friendly voice asks a question that's been rolling around Central Indiana for years: "Why do we need more transit options?"

A series of friendly faces provide the answers. 

"To get to work," says one woman. "To save time and money," says another. 

They're part of a new campaign to teach Hoosiers about improvements that could come to public transportation in the Indianapolis area. 

Indy Connect , part of a partnership to promote new transit options for the region, will air the new commercials for about three weeks on local TV. But the campaign doesn't stop there.

Transportation planners have arranged public meetings and a webinar to publicize their message. The sessions will explain what a modernized mass transit system might offer, if state legislators approve a proposal in the General Assembly.

ONLINE EXTRA | Phase One Transit Plan Map
  
An Indy Connect news release said:

"Decisions made in 2013 will determine the number and locations of station stops along those lines, the types of rail or bus rapid transit vehicles to be used, and whether the vehicles will run in new or existing lanes of city streets."  Indy Connect also said, by doing that study now, "we'll be teed up to pursue federal funding for implementation when we get a positive outcome from other groups' legislative efforts."

The proposal failed last year. 

Critics at the Statehouse objected to the perception that they would be approving a tax increase by approving the bill. Supporters say they want to give the people of Marion County and Hamilton County a chance to make that decision – let them decide whether they're willing to approve a tax increase to pay for improved public transportation. 

Other counties could opt in, later.

Mayor Greg Ballard told 24-Hour News 8 that mass transit would be one of his priorities during the legislative session that started this week. He said it can "really add to the quality of life of a city." 

Governor-elect Mike Pence says he understands "the importance of mass transit to growth."  But, he also said, "as we think about modernizing and bringing some of those assets to communities around Indiana, I just want to make sure the communities are embracing those investments." 

He wants to make sure there's "sustainability." 

If the investment is made, will people really use it? 

"I'm willing to look at the numbers and listen to the arguments," Pence said.

Organizers for Indy Connect had originally planned a webinar, but it's been postponed. No new date had been set as of Friday afternoon.

Public meetings will begin in late February at different sites around the area. The dates and locations will be announced later.