Marion Co. mass transit ballot question passes

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Marion County residents said yes to increase their income taxes to help improve public transportation.

Voters said yes to question two on the ballot, which involved the funding for mass transit. The question simply asked voters do you want to pay 0.25 percent more in income taxes to expand bus lines in Marion County?

The Indiana General Assembly’s decision in 2014 to put issues on the ballot will bring in around $55 million annually to make system-wide improvements. The money will fund the Marion County Transit Plan.

The referendum passed by a count of 59-41.

IndyGo has been challenged to meet the growing demand for transportation options in Marion County,” said IndyGo president and CEO, Mike Terry. “We are encouraged by the public’s show of support for transit.”

Over the next five years, bus transit is expected to increase by 70 percent throughout Marion County. Congressional appropriation of $75 million in federal funding for construction of the Red Line Phase 1 is expected in the coming months, according to a release from IndyGo.