IndyGo is preparing to enhance its public transit system with the Blue Line bus rapid transit project, supported by federal funds. The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration awarded a $149.9 million grant for the proposed 24-mile route, as reported by FOX59.
The Blue Line BRT project will connect Downtown Indianapolis to Cumberland, aiming to streamline commutes and reduce transit times by up to 30 percent, according to WIBC. The line will operate 60-foot hybrid buses, offering environmental benefits and comfort, with service at 30 stations for 20 hours each weekday.
The Blue Line BRT project is expected to cost around $396 million, funded through a mix of local sources, including the transit income tax, contributions from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization and Citizens Energy Group, and other federal funds, as reported by FOX59. IndyGo President and CEO Jennifer Pyrz expressed gratitude for the federal funding, saying, "Receiving these funds from the federal government for the Blue Line is proof that transit is essential in Indianapolis and worthy of high-level investment."
The Blue Line project is designed to enhance urban mobility, with the FTA recognizing its potential to serve over 28 million annual visitors and support numerous local jobs. According to the Federal Transit Administration's announcement, the Blue Line will improve air quality and provide a more sustainable and accessible transportation option for over 45,000 people within walking distance of a station.
With the federal grant secured, IndyGo is set to begin construction of the new line in early 2025, with a projected opening in late 2028. U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg praised the project in a statement obtained by FOX59, saying, "With enhanced reliability, greater frequency, and comfort, this expansion guarantees that every resident and visitor has access to vital hubs in Indianapolis, which is particularly gratifying to see in my home state."
