CARMEL — If you want to travel around Carmel, you most likely use a car to do so. The city is now thinking about expanding options for residents who can not or will not drive.
Carmel is asking residents how they move through the city with a transportation and mobility survey. The survey closes on February 21 and has questions related to transit access and reliability.
Hamilton County only has one public transit option: Hamilton County Express, an on-demand shuttle service for all Hamilton County residents operated by the non-profit Janus Developmental Services.
"A lot of people don't know that we exist," said Hamilton County Express transportation director Ashley Fluellen.
"It's probably the least efficient form of transit, but that's all we have," said Carmel Department of Community Services Director Mike Hollibaugh.
Unlike a traditional bus service, Hamilton County Express riders need to make arrangements in advance for their trips.
"We would like for you to make the reservation two weeks in advance as opposed to a fixed-route service like IndyGo where you don't have to make a reservation," Fluellen said.
According to Fluellen, Hamilton County Express made 76,061 rides in 2024. That is an increase from 2023, when the agency completed 62,514 trips. In comparison, IndyGo's Red Line often completes about 75,000 rides every month.
She said the increase shows there is a demand for public transit in Hamilton County.
"They don't have to pay astronomical amounts of money on gas, they can utilize this service if they want to," Fluellen said.
Carmel now has more than 100,000 residents. It is Indiana's 5th-largest city and has nearly the same population as South Bend.
-
Snowy weather turns into day of kindness for residents in SoBro neighborhood
Residents in SoBro are helping their neighbors in need this winter season by offering free snow removal services to elderly and disabled residents across the neighborhood
"I lost everything": Zionsville man charged with investment fraud and theft
A Zionsville man is accused of misusing $275,000 from a long-time friend while acting as an investment advisor, even though the man was not registered to handle investments in Indiana.
Carmel using new technology to clear snow faster
Carmel street crews are using new technology to clear snow-covered roads faster than ever, helping the city maintain its reputation for keeping schools open even during winter storms.
Man shot during road rage incident on I-465, ISP investigating
A man is reported to be in stable condition after he was shot during a road rage incident on I-465, Indiana State Police said.
