An Indianapolis organization is exploring possibly extending IndyGo’s Red Line south of the Greenwood Park Mall, deeper into Johnson County.
The study by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization, which is expected to wrap up in the fall, is also looking at expanding weekend services for Access Johnson County, the county’s transportation agency.
Both would likely require an income tax increase, which would have to be put on the ballot as either a countywide initiative or a township-wide hike.
If the Red Line were to be extended, either to downtown Greenwood or further south along U.S. 31, it would come as a township-wide income tax increase for Pleasant or White River townships. Only townships that border ones with current IndyGo services can raise money to expand services.
If Pleasant Township, for example, successfully passed an income tax referendum and the Red Line extended into downtown Greenwood, Franklin Township could then pursue a referendum to extend services into Franklin, said Sean Northup, the planning organization’s deputy director.
A .25% income tax increase would raise $3.7 to $4.1 million a year in Pleasant Township, $4.6 to $5 million a year in White River Township and $1.3 to $1.5 million a year in Franklin Township.
A top priority, though, will be exploring what Access Johnson County could do with additional funding, he said.
The county’s public transportation service operates from 6:15 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and has five routes: two in Greenwood, two in Franklin and one that spans U.S. 31 between the Greenwood Park Mall and the Franklin Walmart.
“We’re engaged in conversations about Access Johnson County and transit in northern Johnson County. The study we’re doing with partners in the area isn’t just looking at the Red Line, it’s also looking comprehensively at Johnson County operations and finding ways to serve more people,” Northup said.
One area in need of regular services is the Johnson County corridor along Interstate 65, where many warehouse workers commute. More east-west routes are also needed, and a Red Line extension to downtown Greenwood would help workers without vehicles access downtown Indianapolis, said Mark Myers, Greenwood’s mayor.
“With all the manufacturing facilities we have in Greenwood, along with all the development we have going on downtown, and having talked to quite a few people, I see the need for mass transit in Greenwood,” Myers said.
“A lot of people prefer to take mass transit to different activities or work, if they had that option. I see the need for it and I support it, but it’s up to the township trustee to put it on a referendum and the citizens to vote on something like this. It’s up to them.”
Pleasant Township Trustee William Hart isn’t convinced yet. Since the township includes Whiteland and New Whiteland, it would be a hard sell to raise taxes for services that only benefit Greenwood, such as a Red Line extension to downtown, he said.
“We’re open to listen to it, but we’re not open to letting part of the township pay for something the rest of the township won’t have any use (for),” Hart said. “I’m not against bus service, but I don’t know where the bus service would go.”
