Busing for Race Fans Still Undecided


(posted Mar 20)

The Speedway Public Safety Committee continues to try to prepare for the unknowns in filling the void of IndyGo's charter service that delivered 10,000 fans to and from the race.

Juan Battle of IndyGo explained that because of a recent Federal Transit Authority ruling, public bus services can no longer provide charter service. Trevor Ocock, IndyGo vice-president and chief operating officer, said IndyGo had a meeting to share its operational plans with private carriers that are hoping to fill the transportation roles. IndyGo used 110 buses and 10-12 smaller shuttles to transport fans from key locations like the airport and downtown to the track.
The busses are also used for cooling stations on hot days and figure into evacuation plans.

However, it is not IndyGo's position to act as an intermediary and it will probably be up to the town of Speedway and IMS to secure the bus service. IndyGo conducted a public meeting last week for private carriers. Out of the eight that attended, only one carrier submitted a proposal.

Jim Campbell of IMS said it is an obvious issue for the fans. IMS has no vested interest, but the IMS obviously cares about the fans and wants to know who is dealing with transportation safety. Campbell said the Kentucky Derby is facing the same issues since FTA's ruling affected public transportation nationwide.

He is also concerned about the lack of time to formulate a replacement strategy because the FTA's process will not be available until the end of April.

The safety committee also continues to examine motorcycle safety issues for the inaugural running of the Bull Run Indianapolis Grand Prix Race in September.

Karen Pickens, representing the residents, indicated that she would like to have a neighborhood meeting so the neighbors can be prepared to park motorcycles. Pickens is also concerned that pedestrians might be in greater danger of injury with more motorcycle traffic. Ron Pittman of the IMS agreed that motorcycles park differently than cars and agreed to hold neighborhood meetings.

Speedway Police Captain Chuck Upchurch said some staff members of the police department traveled to Daytona to better understand motorcycle crowds. Daytona has two motorcycle events a year that attract 400,000 to 500,000 fans. "Motorcycles can be loud," he said. One suggestion from the local officials in Florida was to update noise ordinances allowing police officers to use noise meters to check decibel levels. Speedway Police officials are in the process of reviewing the noise ordinance to see if it needs to be amended.