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IndyGo Must Resolve FTA's Charter Service Definition
(posted Feb 17)
Transportation is a critical issue in moving thousands of people to and from Indianapolis Motor Speedway racing events. Trevor Ocock, Indy Go vice-president and chief operating officer, said a recent Federal Transit Administration ruling defining charter service could put IndyGo's ability to transport the race
crowd in jeopardy.
The new ruling has IndyGo's legal counsel combing through the two inch
thick manual to figure out compliance. Indy Go relies on federal funds
as well as property taxes to operate the bus service; therefore, compliance
is critical to maintain federal funding.
Ocock said the ruling came out about two weeks ago. He indicated the timing
was poor because it does not give IndyGo much time before the May 25 race
to research the ruling. It would have been better if the ruling would have
come out six to eight months ago. Ocock made the announcement at the IMS
public safety meeting that is coordinated by Speedway Police Chief Jeff
Dine.
Chief Dine remains confident that IndyGo can resolve the issue, but if
for some reason approval is not granted, then private transportation will
be asked to fill the void.
"Public transportation plays an essential role in the movement and
containment of crowds this size. In addition, the buses are used as cooling
stations for fans on extremely hot days as well as playing a significant
role in our mass evacuation plan."
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