State lawmakers scuttling transit projects
Posted by Curt Ailes in Transit on Mar 9th, 2011 | 12 comments
What started as a squeak in November has turned into a low roar. What is this low roar? The dying gasp of transit projects across the nation. In case you have not noticed, there is a bit of political turmoil going on here in America. It seems that no one is immune to the affects of the recent election. Regarding transportation, the problems started when NJ Governor cancelled the ARC project that would have increased commuter train access into NYC. Then, Wisconsin and Ohio’s new GOP Governors rejected Federal funding that was awarded to the previous administration for High Speed Rail....
Connecting Fountain Square to Broad Ripple
Posted by Kevin Kastner in Bicycling, Neighborhoods, Pedestrian, Transit on Oct 21st, 2010 | 20 comments
Currently, College Avenue is a one way northbound street between Virginia and Massachusetts Avenues. There have been a few public calls to change this missed connection, and to return College into a two way street (which even has its own facebook fan page, which I have joined). There are also calls to instill bike lanes and streetcars. This post is an attempt to look at the practicality of such a mission.
The number one obstacle to progress is, without a doubt, the crumbling railroad overpass at the intersection with Washington Street. It’s dangerous enough in a car, and on foot,...
Indianapolis Streetcar Plan: Guest post by Greg Meckstroth
Posted by Kevin Kastner in Neighborhoods, Transit on Sep 27th, 2010 | 17 comments
Greg Meckstroth writes for the Urban Out website. He has been gracious to share his vision with us.
Earlier this year, the IndyConnect plan was released that set a vision for Indianapolis’ mass transit future. From the onset, I have been critical of the plan’s suburban orientation and its focus on commuter rail. While such improvements are certainly needed and heavy and light rail should be a part of the IndyConnect plan, what I believe is missing is urban transit options such as urban circulators that cater to non-commuting travel and allow for urban and transit-oriented...
In-Street Light Rail vs. Streetcar
Posted by Kevin Kastner in Historical Posts on Mar 1st, 2010 | 3 comments
In this editorial in the Indy Star, there is a mention of in-street light rail along Washington Street, which prompted me to ponder the difference between in-street light rail and streetcars. I did a bit of research on the issue to see if I could clear this up. I have to mention that I used Wikipedia, but I don’t mind that website on non-controversial issues such as this. There is also a nice comparison that I found (via google) that originated in the City of Tucson, although this features a dedicated right-of-way, as opposed to the in-street variety proposed in Indianapolis’ long-range...
