Friday, May 2, 2008
After pulling out of this year's shuttle services, IndyGo announced Friday, May 2 that a waiver now permits Park and Ride service to the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 25.
In February, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) unveiled new guidelines detailing how public transportation agencies can support local events. The guidelines are designed to limit public subsidized services from unfairly competing with private sector charter services. Public transportation agencies could face federal penalties and loss of revenue for noncompliance.
With the announcement of new regulations, IndyGo made a decision to discontinue its bus services to and from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
"Given the limitations and timing of the new federal regulations we could not risk jeopardizing our core funding source," said Gilbert Holmes, IndyGo president and CEO.
On Wednesday, the FTA granted a waiver for IndyGo to provide regular shuttle service to the Indianapolis 500 and limited service for the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard. There will be no service to the Red Bull Indianapolis GP. The waiver is a one-time occurrence and applies only to 2008 events.
"The FTA is allowing us to keep race services going for one more year," said Holmes, noting that the company applied for a waiver last month. "Now, we are getting ready to once again welcome race fans and serve the thousands of people who depend upon our shuttle services."
Roundtrip shuttle tickets for the Indianapolis 500 cost $15. Children age 2 and under ride free. Tickets will be available at all boarding locations the day of the Indianapolis 500. Advance ticket purchases may be made in person at the IndyGo Customer Service Center located in the Indianapolis City Market.
The express shuttle service will transport passengers to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway beginning at 9 a.m., four hours before the official start of the race. Boarding locations include two locations in downtown Indianapolis and the airport.
Passengers can board the buses at the following locations:
Downtown
•Illinois and Market - near Monument Circle
•IUPUI Lot 73 - off of Michigan and Blackford Streets
Indianapolis International Airport
•Main Terminal - lower level, Terminal Drive
•International Arrival Parking - located on Banner Avenue and Pierson Drive
Passengers will be dropped off on Main Street near Gilman Street, which will also serve as the pick-up location after the race. Shuttle service will continue for three hours after the official end of the race.
Some of the shuttle locations charge individual parking fees. For information about parking fees, please visit www.indydt.com (downtown locations) or www.indianapolisairport.com (airport location).
For more information about IndyGo's routes and services, contact the Customer Service Center at (317) 635-3344 or stop by the center in the Indianapolis City Market. Details are also available online at www.IndyGo.net.
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