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The IndyGo Commuter Express (ICE) route service from Greenwood, which launched earlier this year in March, will end its demonstration service on December 1, 2009, due to low ridership.
Notification of this termination of service was made by IndyGo representatives to the Greenwood City Council on Monday, September 21. Customers are encouraged to utilize IndyGo's Fixed Route 31 from US31 to downtown Indianapolis.
The Greenwood ICE route is the third demonstration express route funded through a non-renewable Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) grant. The ICE routes were designed to last approximately 36 months each--or until the funding is exhausted.
"The purpose of these routes has been to explore the needs for transit options in the region," says Michael Terry, President and CEO of IndyGo. "As permanent funding does become available, the data we gather from these demonstrations will be instrumental in planning effective and needed commuter express services."
Several factors were considered when planning the Greenwood service. Initial focus was on the US31 corridor, but IndyGo was unable to secure a parking lease agreement which would accommodate the estimated parking needed to support this service. In addition, the US 31 corridor has IndyGo Fixed Route 31. Duplication of service was a deciding element to the planning process. Placing the express route on SR 135 offered the region transit service and a chance to explore the needs of Greenwood in that area.
All IndyGo routes have experienced declining ridership in 2009 in comparison to 2008's impressive numbers. There's a direct correlation between the low price of fuel and ridership. When fuel prices were in the $3-$4 range, commuters looked for cost-saving alternatives. When the Carmel and Fishers routes launched, they benefited from this surge in gas prices. Greenwood was launched this past winter as fuel prices had already begun to decrease and the economic conditions effected higher unemployment/ lower commuter demand.
"Ending this Greenwood service doesn't mean we won't continue to look for ways to connect Indianapolis and Greenwood," said Ron Deer, President of the Greenwood City Council. "It means this demonstration route wasn't right for us at this particular time."
IndyGo representatives were on hand at the Greenwood Meijer on Tuesday, September 22, to inform them of the service ending date and to provide them with information about other IndyGo transportation options. In addition, these ICE riders are encouraged to submit their questions and comments via the contact page on www.IndyGo.net.
Notification of this termination of service was made by IndyGo representatives to the Greenwood City Council on Monday, September 21. Customers are encouraged to utilize IndyGo's Fixed Route 31 from US31 to downtown Indianapolis.
The Greenwood ICE route is the third demonstration express route funded through a non-renewable Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) grant. The ICE routes were designed to last approximately 36 months each--or until the funding is exhausted.
"The purpose of these routes has been to explore the needs for transit options in the region," says Michael Terry, President and CEO of IndyGo. "As permanent funding does become available, the data we gather from these demonstrations will be instrumental in planning effective and needed commuter express services."
Several factors were considered when planning the Greenwood service. Initial focus was on the US31 corridor, but IndyGo was unable to secure a parking lease agreement which would accommodate the estimated parking needed to support this service. In addition, the US 31 corridor has IndyGo Fixed Route 31. Duplication of service was a deciding element to the planning process. Placing the express route on SR 135 offered the region transit service and a chance to explore the needs of Greenwood in that area.
All IndyGo routes have experienced declining ridership in 2009 in comparison to 2008's impressive numbers. There's a direct correlation between the low price of fuel and ridership. When fuel prices were in the $3-$4 range, commuters looked for cost-saving alternatives. When the Carmel and Fishers routes launched, they benefited from this surge in gas prices. Greenwood was launched this past winter as fuel prices had already begun to decrease and the economic conditions effected higher unemployment/ lower commuter demand.
"Ending this Greenwood service doesn't mean we won't continue to look for ways to connect Indianapolis and Greenwood," said Ron Deer, President of the Greenwood City Council. "It means this demonstration route wasn't right for us at this particular time."
IndyGo representatives were on hand at the Greenwood Meijer on Tuesday, September 22, to inform them of the service ending date and to provide them with information about other IndyGo transportation options. In addition, these ICE riders are encouraged to submit their questions and comments via the contact page on www.IndyGo.net.
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