Ways and Means passes transit plan

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - The House Ways and Means Committee passes the Central Indiana Mass Transit Plan Wednesday.

Hundreds of Hoosiers gathering to participate in a Transit Day rally at the Statehouse witnessed the committee, which voted 20-2 in favor of House Bill 1011.

The bill seeks a public referendum for voters to decide on future funding  of mass transit in central Indiana.

"Having the support from members of the House Ways and Means Committee is crucial to this debate on the sustainability of expanded mass transit in central Indiana," said Ron Gifford, executive director of Indy Connect Now, in a press release. "Fiscal responsibility was one of our top priorities when developing the Indy Connect plan, and our financial model is built on conservative assumptions about revenues and expenses. The bipartisan support from committee members today demonstrates that these legislators believe we have presented a credible and sustainable transit plan."

The bill passed through the House Roads Committee on Jan. 30.