Intelligent Transport Podcast Episode 19 – Emily Meaux and Lacey Everett, IndyGo Foundation

Intelligent Transport Podcast

Intelligent Transport Podcast · Episode 19 – Emily Meaux and Lacey Everett, IndyGo Foundation

Beginning the conversation for this episode, Emily Meaux – Executive Director of the IndyGo Foundation – and Lacey Everett – Chair of the IndyGo Foundation’s Board of Directors – share their thoughts on the importance of making public transport services more affordable in a city like Indianapolis, where car dependency is significantly high, and highlight the positive impact that equitable transportation can have in increasing access to job opportunities in the city.

Then, we consider the debate on whether or not public transport services should be fully fare-free, with Emily explaining why developing an income-based fair assistance programme for vulnerable individuals may be more achievable. Particular focus is placed on the significance of public-private funding and the massive shift that would be required in how transit agencies are funded if fare-free transport were to be realised.

In the second half of this episode, we focus on the future of the IndyGo Foundation, as Emily and Lacey provide insight into some of the projects that are currently in development at the foundation to improve access to public transport services, as well as what they hope to achieve in the years to come.

Emily Meaux had joined the IndyGo Foundation in 2020 bringing nearly 20 years’ experience in corporate fundraising and non-profit management. Meaux cultivates authentic, trust-based relationships with stakeholders and thrives at the intersection between non-profits, business and community life. In her role as Executive Director, she is responsible for the strategic direction of the organisation, continually seeking partnerships to strengthen access to public transportation.

Lacey Everett is the Chair of IndyGo Foundation’s Board of Directors and serves as MIBOR’s Director of Political Affairs. She has worked on several issues pertaining to homeownership, including attainable housing, economic mobility and more. Everett also helped lead the public marketing and communications efforts for Transit Drives Indy and maintains oversight through the current implementation of the Marion County Transit Plan.