- STUDY BACKGROUND -
DIRECTIONS, begun in December, 2002, is a multi-phase study funded primarily with federal dollars. Its purpose is to evaluate the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of a region-wide rapid transit system. If implemented, such a system could help reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and increase mobility options throughout Central Indiana
PHASE I (Concluded 2003)
Phase I of the study focused on developing a concept for the system, including the identification of potential travel corridors and preferred transit technologies. During this phase, planners analyzed 70 of the highest capacity routes for frequency and duration of peak hour congestion to yield a travel demand/capacity supply ratio. Routes with the highest ratios were then evaluated for characteristics that might recommend or discourage their use for transit, such as having existing rail infrastructure (asset) or sensitive environmental elements (constraint).
Through preliminary evaluation, seven potential rapid transit corridors were identified for further study. During Phase I, planners also narrowed the range of potential rapid transit technologies by assessing the strengths and weaknesses of those currently used in existing systems. Each was evaluated for technological constraints, alignment feasibility, affordability, attractiveness and user-convenience.
In addition, the Community Criteria for a rapid transit system was established in Phase I, that is, the top five benefits the public believes are most important for such a system to provide.
PHASE II (Concluded 2004)
During Phase II of DIRECTIONS, which began in Autumn of 2003, feasible route alignments were developed for the seven commuter corridors identified in Phase I. From these, the Northeast Corridor was selected for further study as the site of a possible starter system. Phase II also involved the further evaluation of potential rapid transit technologies, in part, using information gathered during an MPO-sponsored telephone Survey of Commuter Practices and Preferences.