With all the talk about Indy Connect (the regional transit plan) and expanding transit in the region, you might think a light rail station in Broad Ripple is coming soon. Far from it. In this two-part series we will get an overview of public transit options in Broad Ripple today and then in two weeks cover what the Indy Connect proposal would mean for Broad Ripple.

Today Broad Ripple is served by two IndyGo bus routes that basically run once an hour during the week: the #17 College and the #18 Nora. The #17 College is really two routes northbound from downtown: The #17A goes up College from downtown and at Kessler cuts over to Glendale Mall. It there makes a ten minute stop before continuing over to Broad Ripple. The #17 goes up College to Broad Ripple Avenue and then over to Glendale. (It's a bit confusing so make sure you are on the right bus when coming from downtown to get to the right destination.) The trip takes about 45 minutes and costs $1.75. Frequency is about once an hour during the week days. It takes about 35 minutes to get downtown from Broad Ripple and Compton stop (near McDonald's). Southbound, the #17 runs south on College Avenue to Mass Avenue before ending on the east side of the Capitol. Service runs hourly during the week and weekends. The last bus during the week leaves the Capitol at 9:20 p.m.. Note the stop at College and Broad Ripple Avenue is closed due to construction of the new parking garage so be sure and catch the #17 on Broad Ripple Avenue.

Another route serving downtown from Broad Ripple is the #18 Nora. From Broad Ripple, it goes south on Pennsylvania and Central before cutting over to Meridian closer to downtown. It too drops you off on the east side of the State Capitol. Northbound from Broad Ripple it goes to Keystone at the Crossing. Service is hourly except during rush hour when there are additional runs. The #18 takes 34 minutes to get downtown from College and 63rd stop. Also, this route does not run on Sundays but instead becomes the 18/26 North Loop so on Sundays the #17 is your only route downtown. According to Samantha Cross of IndyGo, the lack of Sunday service (except for the loop) on this route is due to lack of ridership.

So let's say you have to be at work by 8:30 a.m. and live near downtown Broad Ripple. You can take the #17 from Broad Ripple/Compton at 7:36 a.m. and arrive at 8:10 a.m. or take the #18 a 7:56 a.m. from College and 63rd and arrive at 8:30 a.m. (Both routes go to the State Capitol.)

The fare is $1.75 on all IndyGo routes and no change is provided nor are transfers given out. You can buy a day pass, though, for $4. A 10-trip pass costs $17.50. A 31-day pass costs $60. Persons 65 and older, youth 18 and under, and persons with a disability get half off if they get a IndyGo half fare identification card. Also, bike racks are available for two bicycles. Stops are called out by a recording on the bus.

Recent rides on both routes for this writer have been on time with friendly drivers and efficient service. Unlike driving, you can read, play with your iPhone, talk to fellow passengers, or enjoy the scenery. With parking meters now charging $1.50 an hour, it's great to take transit downtown.

For more information, visit IndyGo.net (and use their handy trip planner feature) or call them at 635-3344. For more information on the regional transit plan, go to indyconnect.org or Facebook.com/indyconnect.

Next: Coverage of Indy Connect, the transit coalition supporting expanded transit, and their hearing which was held Tuesday March 19 to discuss legislation (HB 1011) which would allow local voters the right to vote to expand transit in the region. What will it mean in terms of service changes for Broad Ripple? Should an express route from Carmel to downtown use Meridian or College? Why would legislators oppose allowing a vote on regional transit?