Indy Council OKs Mass Transit Referendum

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Marion County voters will decide on a tax hike to help pay for expanded mass transit. The City-County Council in Indianapolis approved Proposal 145 by a vote of 18-6 last night, clearing the way for a public referendum in November on a 0.25 percent income tax increase.

If the November ballot initiative is approved, the Indianapolis Public Transportation Corporation IndyGo would get to work on its Marion County Transit Plan. The plan includes more frequent service, additional hours operation and launching three rapid transit lines.

Opponents say supporters and elected officials are not detailing the full scope of what the expansion will cost.

One such proponent, the Indy Chamber, says Monday’s approval is a decade in the making. Chief Executive Officer Michael Huber calls the expansion a "growth issue" and says "employers and younger workers are moving to more walkable areas served by transit. Rapid transit also attracts people and investment – the bus rapid transit lines in the plan will jump-start redevelopment and rebuild the tax base in many urban neighborhoods."

The referendum will be on the ballot November 8 in Marion County.