Deal saves Carmel, Fishers commuter bus routes

The Central Indiana Regional Transportation Authority and Miller Trailways have worked out a deal that will continue the commuter bus service linking Carmel and Fishers with downtown Indianapolis.

The service, funded for the last three years by a federal grant that expires on Dec. 31, 2010, was set to end on that date unless new arrangements could be made.

Under the new plan announced Dec. 17, Miller Trailways will continue to operate the service in exchange for revenue generated by the routes and advertising. In addition, the city of Carmel will contribute $25,000 for the Carmel park-and-ride site, and Kite Realty Group Trust will provide an in-kind contribution of parking at a new Fishers park-and-ride site.

Both Carmel and Fishers will have three routes, and the cost will be $5 per ride, $2 more than the existing fare. And the Fishers park-and-ride location will move to Fishers Station on the northeast corner of Allisonville Road and 116th Street.