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New transit system plans unveiled for Indy

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – The future of transportation in Indianapolis may include a new bus route.

Thursday, Mayor Ballard and the Secretary of the United States Department of Transportation revealed the preliminary stages of pilot program called “Ladder Steps”.

“I am going to work with the city to develop a system to refresh the challenging areas in the city…to connect this incredible community in an incredible way,” Secretary Anthony Foxx explained.

The new system would utilize existing traffic lanes, as well as lanes built in high traffic areas.

The bus designs are expected to resemble the ones already in service and they could be electric powered.

According to the Red Line operating plan, Monday through Friday buses would run every 10 minutes during peak times and every 15 minutes during off-peak times.

City leaders want the bus to make several stops in Carmel, Greenwood and throughout downtown Indianapolis.

“It would go through College Avenue, down 38th Street, Meridian Street, Broad Ripple, around midtown, the Fashion Square Mall and University Heights,” said Bill Taft with LISC.

It could take years for the Red Line to receive the green light, but the city of Indianapolis has already requested federal funding for the project.