INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana State Senator Aaron Freeman (R-Indianapolis) authored Senate Bill 52 which prohibits public transportation projects, including the IndyGo Blue Line, from including one or more dedicated lanes for the exclusive use of public transportation vehicles until July 2025. On January 18, the bill narrowly passed of the Appropriations Committee on a vote of 7-5. A similar bill was introduced in 2023 and failed to be heard by the House.
If the bill becomes law, the Blue Line plans would come to a halt, unless there were significantly changed plans that allowed for shared lanes. The bill would not affect the already completed Red Line, and the nearly completed Purple Line.
Controversy has swirled about the proposed plans in Irvington, where business owners have expressed serious concerns about business disruption during construction and other worries. Some came forward initially to support SB 52, but many have walked back that support after further discussions with IndyGo and community backlash. Agreements have secured a blackout in construction for the Historic Irvington Halloween Festival in October, moving the Ritter St. superstation to the west side of Ritter, and other concessions.
As of the date when this was written, no date has been set for a vote on SB 52 in the General Assembly.