INDIANAPOLIS – City-County Councilors are expected to vote Monday on a tax that could help improve bus lines, and some families are hoping the tax gets the green light.
The controversial tax will cost everyone living in Marion County more money – about $100 per year for a person making $40,000 – but many people said they count on IndyGo’s buses for daily transportation.
Shelley Campbell works in Greenwood and her two oldest children take the bus to school. She is now teaching her 9-year-old daughter, Abby, how to navigate the bus routes.
It’s a skill Campbell thinks could be critical to her daughter’s mobility and success.
"Two years ago, we found out the baby has a disease in her retinas called Stargardt Disease, which means that as an adult, she will be blind. So she will never drive a car,” said Campbell.
The plan is to raise the local income tax rate by .25 percent in order to improve the transit system. IndyGo officials said if the tax passes, it could mean shorter wait times, extended service on nights and weekends and upgrades.
Campbell said these upgrades could help Abby navigate the system better.
The tax will also lay the initial groundwork for the blue and purple rapid transit lines. The red line planning has already begun.
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While some are supporting the tax, there are many standing in opposition as well.
Those not in support would like to see the money used in other ways.
If councilors vote yes, the tax will take effect Oct. 1.
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