Indianapolis Going Big on Transit Planning

The IndyGo transit system is wrapping up a period of free fares for its new Red Line bus rapid transit line before another big launch scheduled for spring 2020.

1 minute read

October 29, 2019, 2:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Indianapolis Bus Rapid Transit

Momoneymoproblemz / Wikimedia Commons

Kellie Hwang reports on the ridership figures from the first month of operation on the IndyGo Red Line bus rapid transit line in Indianapolis.

Ridership on the IndyGo Red Line surpassed 230,000 in the first month of Indianapolis' new rapid transit bus service.

IndyGo last week reported 230,651 boardings in September, or an average of nearly 7,700 per day. Total bus ridership systemwide was up 30%.  

The Red Line has been free to ride since it launched Sept. 1. Nov. 11 is the planned date for tickets to be required, which is expected to affect ridership.

Despite that expected initial effect when fares are no longer free, IndyGo planners have more good transit news on the way in the spring, when the Marion County Transit Plan will roll out improved bus frequencies, longer hours of operation, and easier transfers.

All these improvements are made possible by a dedicated income tax supported by voters in 2016, before a delay and then approval by the City-County Council. Initial investments in the IndyGo bus system, made possible by the new tax revenue, also proved beneficial to bus ridership in 2018.

Tuesday, October 29, 2019 in Indianapolis Star

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog