Throughout 2010, residents of Central Indiana were asked to review and comment on a draft transportation plan that included bus, rail and roadways, connecting people to people and people to places. This draft plan was the result of decades of research by transportation experts and supported by a study by a private sector task force.

As everyone has a stake in the region's transportation future, the draft plan was shared and discussed in Central Indiana communities. More than 125 public meetings, informational displays, and community speaking engagements were held throughout the region, and educational materials were distributed to encourage further feedback.

A regional transportation plan has been developed and reflects input from the public and work by transportation planning experts. The plan is the most comprehensive ever developed for Central Indiana – with more help from the public than ever before. The Indianapolis Regional Transportation Council (IRTC) included the Indy Connect plan as part of its long-term vision and will continue to move the plan forward.

In 2010, 11 Central Indiana elected officials and business leaders publicly stated support for ensuring the region’s transportation future takes center stage during the 2012 legislative session.

Transportation planners are continuing to flesh out the finer details of the plan. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) gathered additional input on the Central Indiana Regional Bikeways Plan, which provides a blueprint for investing transportation funds on resources and connections that matter most to residents. The plan examines construction costs, funding sources and timing of implementation for bikeways through 2035 to create a functional, convenient and connected system.

Planners also continue to study various aspects of a proposed northeast rail corridor between Noblesville and downtown Indianapolis, including environmental impact and design alternatives, and are working to secure funding to study additional corridors outlined in the plan.