Parking and traffic are major issues facing every major U.S. city.  Unlike the challenges many downtowns across the country experience, Downtown Indianapolis effectively manages parking and traffic to offer reliable, affordable and easy access.

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 convenient access from throughout the Central Indiana region and effective traffic flow and parking management.

Getting to Downtown Indianapolis is easy
Since 93 percent of Central Indiana residents drive Downtown, it’s essential to have easy access to the nation’s 13th largest center. 

• Downtown is 20 minutes from the new 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. I-465 also connects to two other interstates, I-69 and I-74.
• In 2007, the $175 million “Super70” project improved I-70 from Downtown to I-465.  In addition, $33 million was invested in “HyperFix” in 2003, concentrating on interstates 65 & 70 on the east side of Downtown. 
• Project Open Market is currently underway, restructuring Downtown’s east entrance/exit for I-65/70.  In fall 2008, the Washington Street ramps were completed.  In 2009, the Market Street ramp was removed and Market Street from East Street to Cruse Street is being reconstructed with two-way operation along with new landscaping and design amenities.
• 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."

Getting around Downtown is easy
Wayfinding signs, multiple parking options and an easy-to-use printed and online parking map make driving and parking Downtown a cinch.

• A Downtown-only map lists parking, hotels, museums, sports venues, memorials and more.  Call 317.237.2222 for a free copy.  Additionally, IDI’s Web site, www.indydt.com, has comprehensive parking facility information.  There are four ways to search for public parking: by quadrant, facility type, attraction or directly on the Downtown map. 
• Downtown parking rates rank among the most affordable in the country according to Colliers International’s 2009 parking survey. Indianapolis is below the national average for monthly parking garage rates at $105 per month, compared to the national average of slightly more than $154.  The national average parking rate is more than $15 per day while Indianapolis’ median is $11.
• Direction Downtown, a comprehensive wayfinding sign system, was developed in 1999 by a partnership of the City, IDI and 40 other organizations. The system's 110 signs direct vehicular and pedestrian traffic into and throughout Downtown to major points of interest.  Cultural District bands were added to the signs in 2006. Additionally, Direction Downtown Skywalk Signage was added in 2003 to skywalks from the Indiana Government Center Washington Street Parking Facility to the Indiana Convention Center and Circle Centre to the Blocks Building, connecting more than 3,000 guest rooms in Downtown hotels.
• There are 71,838 parking spaces Downtown:
• 242 parking garages and surface lots
• 22,634 spaces in public garages
• 11,963 spaces in public lots
• 2,036 spaces reserved for Downtown residents
• 3,384 on-street parking meters
• Downtown parking meter rates are $1.50 for two hours with free parking weekday evenings after 6 p.m. and all day on weekends. 
• 700 parking spaces had rush hour restrictions lifted in 1994, thus adding 1.2 million hours of available meter time each year.

Strategic Focus Aimed at Enhancing Mobility
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 and affordable and supports economic development.

In 2008, 69 percent of Downtown users surveyed believe that parking is very to somewhat affordable and 49 percent of Central Indiana residents surveyed indicated that it is easy to find parking Downtown according to the Indianapolis Downtown, Inc. Downtown Biennial Perception Survey.

To make sure information is readily available, IDI informs businesses of street closings and lane restrictions, regularly convenes meetings with Downtown partners, distributes parking maps to businesses, residents and visitors, evaluates the parking inventory and educates consumers about parking options.

In addition, Indianapolis Downtown, Inc. participates on the Downtown Transit Center Technical Committee, Metropolitan Planning Organization Multi-Modal Task Force and other collaborations affecting Downtown’s future transportation options.

Programs that Work…

• In 2008, 57 Downtown parking facilities managed by members of the Downtown Parking Partnership were evaluated for cleanliness and customer service. Fifty-two of the facilities achieved scores of 80 percent or higher. As a result of the annual assessment, many facilities have upgraded equipment and improved customer service.
• Restrictions for parking on Monument Circle were further eased in 2006, allowing customers to park for a two-hour period, 6 a.m. - 11 p.m. Hours were previously changed in 2002, allowing customers to park 6 a.m. - 9 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,” created in 2000, 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 also opened. Parking is only $1.50 for three hours in these facilities, one of the least expensive Downtown parking rates in major cities across the country.
• 20,976 parking spaces have been identified and added to the parking inventory since 1994, an increase of 41 percent.  New public parking includes Conseco Fieldhouse’s Virginia Avenue garage, City Park Garage on Washington Street, Central Library garage and others.
• Valet parking, taxi and horse carriage zones have been strategically placed to maximize service, yet minimize the impact on public on-street parking.

  By the way…

• 7.9 million visits made to Downtown Indianapolis each year, an increase of 78 percent since 1994.
• In 2007, weekday parking occupancy at Downtown parking meters averaged 45 percent in the mile square and 66 percent in the retail core.
• Indianapolis was named the 2009 Most Disability-Friendly City from the National Organization on Disability based on best practices in accessibility and the inclusion of persons with disabilities in community life.

Updated 6/09