Is bus service available to me?

According to the Indiana Department of Transportation, Madison County is one of 48 counties in Indiana that have a countywide public transportation system.

More than 200,000 Anderson residents ride the City of Anderson Transit System (CATS) for just $1 each way. Two weeks ago, the Anderson Board of Works approved the replacement of seven CATS buses with more fuel-efficient models. In addition to CATS, Anderson also operates Nifty Lift, a by-appointment service that reaches all areas of the city that CATS does not for $2.

For those outside of Anderson, there is Transportation for Rural Areas of Madison County (TRAM), operated by the Madison County Council of Governments. Rosalee Bernard, of the Madison County Council of Governments, said TRAM ridership increased from 2005 to 2006, to about 10,000, after five years of decline. The base fee for TRAM is $3.



Can I hail a cab in Anderson?

Randy Willis, owner of Anderson Taxi, said his company goes to all parts of Madison County and beyond. Anderson Taxi uses a zone map to determine fares. The average fare within the city is around $7. Those interested may call (643-3131) for a quote from anywhere in the city.

“It’s an economical form of transportation, given that gas prices are what they are,” said Willis, noting that his company has lost money the past two years. “We’re facing ever-increasing costs in the taxi business. Drivers cost more, maintenance costs more, gas costs more, insurance costs more.”

Willis said the fare is $30 to travel from Anderson to Elwood and $70 to downtown Indianapolis, $80 to Indianapolis International Airport. He said Anderson Taxi has transported a customer as far as Pittsburgh, Pa. The company also performs courier services for local businesses.



Is the Lifestream van service limited to senior citizens?

The New InterUrban was already established in Grant, Blackford, Jay, Randolph, Henry and Delaware counties when it arrived in Madison County in January 2006. It is operated by Yorktown-based Lifestream Services Inc., which provides services mainly to senior citizens.

“If you live in a rural area you can get to the city, if you live in the city you can get to Pendleton or wherever you want to go,” said Donna Penticuff of Lifestream. “You can ride from one end of the county to the other for $3 a trip, which is about the price of a gallon of gas nowadays.”

Penticuff said the New InterUrban made 11,372 trips in Madison County last year. She said the service also helps transport riders to and from the Hopewell Center.

Available from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, The New InterUrban costs $3 for riders 59 and under and by donation for those over 60. A $20 monthly pass buys unlimited rides. Riders can call (800) 589-1121 to schedule a ride for 12 to 13 passengers or by 15-passenger van.



Will light rail connect Anderson to Indy?

To some a light rail service for greater Indianapolis is the long-term solution to transportation issues facing central Indiana. To others, it is a pipe dream.

This spring, Governor Mitch Daniels backed off a proposal to create the Indiana Commerce Connector (ICC), a 75-mile outerbelt tollway. Daniels said the ICC would reduce traffic on many of the region’s most-traveled roadways, including I-69, the I-465 loop and I-70.

The goal would have to be achieved another way, and many state legislators have thrown their support behind a light rail transit system.

“High speed commuter rail could be just such an important catalyst for the future economic vitality of Madison County and central Indiana,” said State Sen. Tim Lanane, D-District 25. “And it should be part of what government and business study now in putting together a transportation strategy for our future.”

Lanane said such a system could reduce emissions, while traveling more than 100 mph to deliver commuters to work on time. Even the most aggressive estimates predict 10 years before a light rail transit system in central Indiana becomes a reality.



Compiled by

JUSTIN SCHNEIDER

justin.schneider@heraldbulletin.com