Learn more about transit plan

Originally posted to indystar.com on September 1, 2016 (letter to the editor).

Referendum questions aren’t often on ballots in Indiana. On Nov. 8, voters in Marion County will see one about whether they want to increase their income tax to improve mass transit in Indianapolis.

Here’s the exact wording: “Shall Marion County have the ability to impose a county economic development income tax rate, not to exceed a rate of 0.25%, to pay for improving or establishing public transportation service in the county through a public transportation project that will create a connected network of buses and rapid transit lines; increase service frequency; extend operational hours; and implement three new rapid transit lines?”

To make an informed decision, voters need to understand what that question means.

That’s why our organizations – all public agencies – are undertaking an education initiative. A recent IndyStar article, “Transit advocates launch info blitz,” mixed our education initiative with the work that a coalition of private-sector groups is doing to advocate how people should vote on the issue.

We want to make clear that we are working to educate residents on the transit plan, not tell them how to vote.

As part of our education effort, we are hosting lunchtime information sessions about the Marion County Transit Plan over a four-day period beginning Sept. 6 at 16 Indianapolis library branches. The short sessions will be a neutral place for people to get factual information about the referendum and the plan.

People have a lot of questions about the Marion County Transit Plan, and these Lunch ’n Learns are one way they can get answers. They also can visit www.indyconnect.org or find Indy Connect on social media.

Anna Gremling
Executive Director
Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization

Lori Kaplan
Executive Director
Central Indiana Regional Transportation Authority

Mike Terry
President & CEO
IndyGo

For the original article, visit http://www.indystar.com/story/opinion/readers/2016/09/01/learn-transit-plan/89739098.

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