Buses Will Remain on Main Street

It is doubtful that bus staging location for the IMS racing events will move from Main Street. Although Speedway Redevelopment Commission President Scott Harris acknowledged his concern and desire to help Main Street businesses with this issue of bus fumes and bus blocked views, he might not be able to accomplish the task this year.

Speedway Police Chief Jeff Dine said he is sensitive to the local businesses, but he is also charged with managing the world's largest racing event. "It would take time to reallocate the manpower," he said.
Dine explained the strategic importance of Main Street and its pivotal part for Indy Go buses, taxi-cabs and limos to move people in and out of the 500. Dine verbally mapped the route by saying the buses leave the staging area and turn east on to Tenth Street to reach Holt Road and I-70. From there, the approximately 110 buses make three-round trips to either downtown or to the airport. The buses transport an estimated 10,000 to 11,000 fans.

He explained the buses must continue to run for safety reasons even though the annoying diesel fumes drive outdoor restaurant customers away. The safety reasons cited were to assist with overheated fans and mass evacuation. The buses serve as a cooling station on hot days for race fans to have a place to cool. The buses need to be mobile as quickly as possible in case a mass evacuation is needed.
Dine is willing to listen to business owners' concerns and to work with them to help resolve issues.