The Radcliff-Elizabethtown Metropolitan Planning Organization last year commissioned a public transportation study, and representatives from the Lincoln Trail Area Development District and consulting firm Michael Baker International on Monday presented the results and recommendations from the study at the State Theater.
LTADD Executive Director Daniel London said the study does a good job presenting the current needs and capabilities for public transportation in the area, and lays out a clear path forward with a three-phase process. Phase One starts with a partnership expanding TACK Transportation.
“They would start a vanpool service that would be a cost of $40,000 to $50,000 a year, and that gives a real test as to what the demand signal would be,” London said.
Phase One would see an Elizabethtown loop and a Radcliff/Vine Grove connector. Phase Two expands the services out to include inter-connecting services at Hardin County locations, with Phase Three expanding into Meade County/Brandenburg and Glendale.
London said state and federal funds will cover a large part of the needed costs, but local tax dollars will need to be committed to go the rest of the way.
“I would encourage the public to have conversations with their elected officials about their desire for this service and how they feel it should be funded, and give them the space and grace in which to make the best decision possible for their constituents,” London said.
Elizabethtown Mayor Jeff Gregory said the presented plan has him optimistic.
“On the front end, it looks like a great opportunity for not only Elizabethtown, but for our whole community, and it really opens up a lot of doors for people,” Gregory said. “When you talk about workforce development and folks being able to get to healthcare, and even younger people that want to continue education at ECTC, all those avenues are available with public transportation.”
The complete presentation, study results, and proposed plan can be found on the LTADD and REMPO websites.
