FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Abbey Webb, Press Secretary
Abbey.Webb@iga.in.gov
317-234-3560
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 29, 2024) — A bill authored by State Sen. Aaron Freeman (R-Indianapolis) designed to put a one year moratorium on the use of dedicated lanes in new mass transit projects and the installation of new no-turn-on-red signs in downtown Indianapolis passed the Senate today.
The use of designated lanes has been a frequently debated issue as it pertains to the development of IndyGo's Red, Purple, and Blue Lines in Indianapolis. Dedicated lanes are designed for mass transit use only and restrict the commuting public from using the lane in their passenger cars, which ultimately contributes to traffic congestion.
Senate Bill 52 would restrict the implementation of new dedicated public transit lanes until July 1, 2025 with an exception for Indianapolis' future Purple Line. This bill is a direct response to the concerns of Marion County residents and business owners over the proposed Blue Line.
IndyGo’s current plan would reduce lanes available to vehicles by 60% along Washington Street. The Blue line would eliminate one lane of travel each direction and remove the turn lane in the middle of the street and dedicate those three lanes to use by an IndyGo bus only.
Under a compromise reached with the city of Indianapolis, Senate Bill 52 would also prohibit new no-turn-on-red signs in downtown Indianapolis under the city's 2023 ordinance. Freeman's position is that the installation of more signage is not a guarantee to keep pedestrians safe. Rather, these signs are likely to create confusion and congestion on the roads and may even generate unsafe road conditions.
To learn more about this proposal, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Sen. Aaron Freeman (R-Indianapolis) represents Senate District 32,
which includes portions of Johnson and Marion counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
