Is bus service available to me?

According to the Indiana Department of Transportation, Madison County is one of 48 counties in Indiana that have a countywide public transportation system.

More than 200,000 Anderson residents ride the City of Anderson Transit System (CATS) for just $1 each way. Two weeks ago, the Anderson Board of Works approved the replacement of seven CATS buses with more fuel-efficient models. In addition to CATS, Anderson also operates Nifty Lift, a by-appointment service that reaches all areas of the city that CATS does not for $2.

For those outside of Anderson, there is Transportation for Rural Areas of Madison County (TRAM), operated by the Madison County Council of Governments. Rosalee Bernard, of the Madison County Council of Governments, said TRAM ridership increased from 2005 to 2006, to about 10,000, after five years of decline. The base fee for TRAM is $3.

Can I hail a cab in Anderson?

Randy Willis, owner of Anderson Taxi, said his company goes to all parts of Madison County and beyond. Anderson Taxi uses a zone map to determine fares. The average fare within the city is around $7. Those interested may call (643-3131) for a quote from anywhere in the city.

“It’s an economical form of transportation, given that gas prices are what they are,” said Willis, noting that his company has lost money the past two years. “We’re facing ever-increasing costs in the taxi business. Drivers cost more, maintenance costs more, gas costs more, insurance costs more.”

Willis said the fare is $30 to travel from Anderson to Elwood and $70 to downtown Indianapolis, $80 to Indianapolis International Airport. He said Anderson Taxi has transported a customer as far as Pittsburgh, Pa. The company also performs courier services for local businesses.

Is the Lifestream van service limited to senior citizens?

The New InterUrban was already established in Grant, Blackford, Jay, Randolph, Henry and Delaware counties when it arrived in Madison County in January 2006. It is operated by Yorktown-based Lifestream Services Inc., which provides services mainly to senior citizens.

“If you live in a rural area you can get to the city, if you live in the city you can get to Pendleton or wherever you want to go,” said Donna Penticuff of Lifestream. “You can ride from one end of the county to the other for $3 a trip, which is about the price of a gallon of gas nowadays.”

Penticuff said the New InterUrban made 11,372 trips in Madison County last year. She said the service also helps transport riders to and from the Hopewell Center.

Available from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, The New InterUrban costs $3 for riders 59 and under and by donation for those over 60. A $20 monthly pass buys unlimited rides. Riders can call (800) 589-1121 to schedule a ride for 12 to 13 passengers or by 15-passenger van.