Parking and Transportation: Improved Access and Convenience

Through public and private sector commitment and millions of dollars of investment, Indianapolis has developed one of the most successful downtowns in the United States. A key factor in that success has been effective management of traffic flow, parking and access. In Indianapolis, Downtown parking and transportation are managed as community assets, not liabilities.

Strategic Focus Aimed at Reducing Traffic and Parking Hassles
The City contracts with Indianapolis Downtown, Inc. (IDI) annually to strategically address Downtown parking and traffic management in a pro-active and customer-friendly manner. IDI works closely with city government, law enforcement and businesses to assure that parking is convenient, affordable and supports economic development.

To make sure information is readily available, IDI e-mails bulletins and posts on IDI's website to inform businesses of street closings and lane restrictions, regularly convenes meetings with Downtown partners, distributes parking maps to businesses, area residents and visitors and educates consumers about parking options.

Programs that Work…

• Direction Downtown Skywalk Signage was added in 2003 to skywalks from the Government Center Washington Street Parking Facility to the Indiana Convention Center & RCA Dome and Circle Centre to the Blocks Building, connecting 2,700 guest rooms in Downtown hotels. Direction Downtown signage provides a consistent wayfinding system throughout Downtown directing motorists and pedestrians to most Downtown destinations.
• In 2005, 56 Downtown parking facilities managed by members of the Downtown Parking Partnership were evaluated for cleanliness and customer service. Fifty-three of the facilities achieved scores of 80 or better out of a possible 100 points. As a result, many facilities have upgraded equipment and improved customer service.
• In 2003, weekday parking occupancy at Downtown parking meters averaged 39 percent in all of Downtown and 63 percent in the retail core.
• Restrictions for parking on Monument Circle were eased in 2002, allowing customers to park for a two-hour period, from 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. The previous ordinance only allowed customers to park for 30 minutes, from 6 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Parking meter enforcement is outsourced to a private firm that uses five full-time patrol officers trained to enforce parking ordinances consistently. This move reallocated more than 25 police officers from parking enforcement. As a result, public safety improved by allowing officers to concentrate on community policing efforts while meter enforcement also improved with dedicated officers.
• "Best Bargains Parking" was created in 2000 and has been implemented annually to provide and promote convenient and affordable parking options Downtown on Conseco Fieldhouse event nights. The program directs customers to more than 10,000 parking spaces in the Wholesale District ranging in price from FREE to $5 for the duration of an event.
• In 1999, the City, in partnership with IDI, implemented a new ordinance that doubled the number of Downtown loading zones and called for stricter, more consistent enforcement, in an effort to keep traffic flowing and eliminate double parking.
• When Circle Centre shopping and entertainment complex opened in the heart of Downtown in 1995, three attached parking garages were built. Parking is only $1.50 for three hours in these facilities, one of the best Downtown parking bargains in the country.
• Downtown parking meter rates are $1.50 for two hours with free parking weekday evenings after 6 p.m. and all day on weekends.
• Valet parking, taxi and horse carriage zones have been strategically placed to maximize service, yet minimize the impact on public on-street parking.

• 16.9 million visits made to Downtown Indianapolis each year, an increase of 276 percent since 1994
• 88 percent of central Indiana residents drive Downtown
• 66,203 parking spaces Downtown
• 18,523 parking spaces have been added since1994, an increase of 36 percent
• 215 parking garages and surface lots
• 24,168 spaces in public garages
• 10,455 spaces in public lots
• 1,598 spaces for Downtown residents
• 2,902 on-street parking meters
• 700 parking spaces had rush hour restrictions lifted in 1994, thus adding 1.2 million hours of available meter time each year
• Off-street parking averages $6.78 per day and $73.24 per month

• Downtown is 15 minutes from Indianapolis International Airport.
• Access to Downtown Indianapolis is easy thanks to several arterial streets and two interstate highways: I-65 and I-70; each has several entry and exit ramps on three sides of Downtown.
• From those interstates, drivers have access to I-465, the beltway that loops around Indianapolis. The beltway also connects to two other interstates, I-69 and I-74.
• In all, five interstates converge in Indianapolis and contribute to the ease of getting into and out of Downtown, earning Indianapolis the designation "Crossroads of America."
• A 2001 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study reported that Indianapolis had the lowest pedestrian fatality rate among all major cities.