1. My View: Transport plan falls short, lacks options
4:58 PM, Feb. 15, 2011 |
Written by
Kim Irwin
The public input process for Indy Connect, Central Indiana's Transportation Initiative, culminates today, when the plan goes before
local elected officials for a final vote of approval. More than 10,000 comments from citizens. More than 125 public meetings and
briefings. And one prevailing message: We want more transportation options, including sidewalks and bikeways; we want improved
transit, and we want it now.
We applaud the extensive public dialogue and appreciate that residents were given a voice in planning our collective future. Clearly,
the people of Central Indiana feel that Indy Connect -- which relies on a mix of bike and pedestrian amenities, bus, rail, and
improved roadways -- would transform mobility and livability in Central Indiana.
It's unfortunate, then, that the detailed Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Area 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP)
appears to specify only the roadway and bridge expansion and improvement projects -- at a cost of $9 billion. The transit, bike and
pedestrian projects discussed at such great length through the Indy Connect planning process are not formally included in the
LRTP, and new, separate funding must be secured in order to build them. This raises the question: Will we be investing that $9
billion in the most effective way possible?
We don't doubt that most members of the Indianapolis Regional Transportation Council (IRTC) -- the elected and appointed policy
officials and technical advisers of local governments and public agencies throughout the region -- want to see more multimodal
options. The problem is that bike, pedestrian and transit projects will have to be selected, funded and implemented as the long-
range plan unfolds over the decades to come -- not from the outset, like the roadway projects are.
And that is where this plan falls short. A truly balanced transportation system doesn't just happen by accident. We have to be
intentional and committed in developing policies, prioritizing projects and channeling investments into multimodal options. If we want
a different future, we need a different approach, and this plan represents business as usual.
Fortunately, our local officials still have the opportunity to ensure implementation of a plan that sends the message to residents and
employers that we are dedicated to creating a healthy and connected environment for families and business.
When the IRTC Policy Committee votes to adopt and advance the Long Range Transportation Plan, it can commit to implementing
Indy Connect in its entirety -- including the transit, bike and pedestrian pieces. It can require that roadway projects include
sidewalks, bikeways and transit accommodations. It can redirect some of the $9 billion into more innovative transit, bike and
pedestrian projects. It can prioritize and phase multimodal projects in parallel with road projects, rather than as an afterthought and
with funds that may never appear. It can work cooperatively to advocate for the critical funding options that require approval by the
General Assembly.
Our local elected officials face a key decision. We urge their leadership and commitment in meeting the transportation and mobility
needs of all residents. A stronger future for our region depends on it.
Irwin leads Health by Design, a coalition working to ensure that Central Indiana's public spaces and infrastructure promote
healthy, active living.