This study was completed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in temporary changes to the NCS schedule.
The new 14.4-mile BRT line will improve service on agency's highest ridership route.
The study would come at a time when transit agencies and departments of transportation around the U.S. are watching President Donald Trump for signs of what they can expect in terms of federal funding in the next four years.
A spokesmen for Corridor Capital, the private company set to manage the Indianapolis-to-Chicago line, added there is a growing pool of prospective riders, including so-called millennials, who would prefer the train if they‘re persuaded the service is adequate.
New bus service, extending Metro Rail or bus rapid transit could all be considered.
The rapid-transit line would run underground along the city's second busiest travel corridor, which currently sees about 160,000 daily transit trips. Officials said the subway would be more efficient and less disruptive than streetcar service.
Estimates a BRT system would cost $136 million to construct, less than half the $275 million required for streetcars. The number of trips riders would make on either system would be about the same, 4,500 average weekday trips on BRT versus 4,800 on streetcars in the first year.
Robert (Bob) J. Baniewicz, P.E., has 32 years of experience in engineering and project management of rail transit, commuter rail, railroad and civil engineering projects across the U.S.
In April, President Obama, Vice President Biden and Secretary LaHood announced the effort to transform the nation's transportation system by developing rail infrastructure and launching high-speed passenger rail services in 100 mile to 600 mile corridors that connect U.S. communities.