1979: Paratransit Services Expand
Metro installs the first wheelchair lift on a full-size transit bus and expands its Open Door fleet.
Making History through the Decades
2025 marks 50 years of IndyGo connecting Indianapolis’ residents and visitors to life’s opportunities and adventures. Since 1975, our team has diligently committed to serving the community and moving all individuals forward in Marion County, whether they rely on or choose us.
We welcome you to travel back in time with us through the last half century, as we celebrate how far we’ve come since our journey started as Metro and the exciting plans for the future.
Read below to learn about some of our biggest milestones throughout each decade that increased mobility and safety for Indy’s public transportation travelers.
You Asked, We Delivered
To commemorate IndyGo’s 50th Anniversary, IndyGo Foundation recently launched the IndyGo Swag Store! Now, you can purchase IndyGo-themed gear such as a backpack, hats, shirts, water bottles and so much more. Show your IndyGo pride and click the button to grab your limited edition IndyGo 50th Anniversary or general IndyGo Foundation swag today!
Note: The net proceeds from sales and tips will benefit IndyGo Foundation and its work to increase accessible, equitable and inclusive transportation solutions.
1970s
1973: Indianapolis Public Transportation Corporation is Created
The Indianapolis Public Transportation Corporation is created by a vote from the Indianapolis City-County Council on Aug. 6.
1975: Indianapolis Metro Begins Service
Indianapolis Metro (what’s known today as IndyGo) assumes operations of the Indianapolis Transit System on Jan. 7.
Metro hires Diana Pittman on Sept. 29, making her the first African-American woman to drive a public transit bus in Indiana.
1977: Paratransit Services Begin
Metro purchases two handicap accessible vans, beginning Open Door paratransit service.
1980s
1981: Electronic Fareboxes Installed
Metro fits new electronic fareboxes to its entire fleet.
1984: Articulated Buses Added to Fleet
Metro purchases 21 articulated buses from MAN Truck & Bus, making it the first of its kind to operate these systems in the city.
1986: New Bus Garage Opens on West Washington Street
Metro opens a new garage at 1501 W. Washington Street on April 13 and changes the agency’s colors to blue and turquoise.
1990s
1995: Late Night Service Added to North Side
Metro launches MetroWorks, a late-night bus service for the north side of the city.
1996: Metro Rebrands as IndyGo
In August, Metro announces plans to rebrand as IndyGo.
1998: Security Camera Added to Fleet
IndyGo equips it’s fleet with security cameras.
1999: IndyFlex Service Launches
IndyGo launches IndyFlex, an overnight, microtransit service for late-shift riders.
2000s
2000: Mayor Peterson Rides IndyGo to Office on 1st Day
Mayor Bart Peterson rides IndyGo into his first day in office while accompanied by a convoy of other city buses.
2001: Bike Racks Installed on Buses
IndyGo launches its Bike-to-Bus initiative, fitting buses with bike racks to encourage ridership.
2001: Plans Announced to Triple Number of Bus Shelters
In May, IndyGo announces plans to triple its bus shelter numbers.
2009: Real-Time Bus Tracking Launches
In June, IndyGo launches real-time tracking for transit vehicles.
2010s
2016: Voters Approve Funding for Transit Plan
Voters overwhelmingly vote “yes” on the Marion County Transit Plan, agreeing to support dedicated funding for transit improvements, such as building out BRT.
2019: Red Line BRT Route Launches
IndyGo Launches its first BRT route, the Red Line, and its account-based fare payment system, MyKey.
2010: Indy Connect Plan Announced
The Indy Connect Plan debuts in November, which included four planned Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) routes.
2011: People for Urban Progress (PUP) Stops Installed
IndyGo launches People for Urban Progress (PUP) stops, which involved improving amenities at bus stops by placing repurposed seats from Bush Stadium at select locations.
2015: New Battery-Electric Buses Acquired
IndyGo acquires 21 Battery-Electric Buses (BEBs) from Complete Coach Works, giving the city the largest fleet of BEBs in the country.
2016: Carson Transit Center Opens
The Julia M. Carson Transit Center opens in downtown Indianapolis.
2020s
2022: First Super Stop Opens
On Oct. 3, IndyGo opens its first Super Stops, adding speed, convenience and accessibility to downtown bus stops on Delaware Street.
2022: IndyGo Becomes First Transit Agency to Use eGen Flex Electric Hybrid Propulsion System
IndyGo becomes the first transit agency in the country to operate a GILLIG bus equipped with the Allison eGen Flex electric hybrid propulsion system, which debuted in an unveiling ceremony on Monument Circle June 14.
2023: IndyGo Cuts the Ribbon on Its East Campus Headquarters
IndyGo hosts a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the official grand opening of its East Campus headquarters. The new location brought expanded storage for the agency’s growing bus fleet, state-of-the-art training for bus drivers and more room for employees.
2024: Purple Line BRT Line Launches
IndyGo launches its second BRT route, the Purple Line, connecting downtown Indianapolis and the City of Lawrence and bringing rapid transit for the first time since 1941. An array of other route improvements accompany the opening as part of the 2027 Transit Network redesign.
50 Years of Transit:
A Visual Journey Through IndyGo Buses
IndyGo GOing Green:
Since 2015, IndyGo’s efforts of putting hybrid and electric buses into service have already resulted in significant energy savings and environmental impacts for the agency and our community.
Sustainable Transit with Battery-Electric Buses
Moving to 60-foot, fully battery-electric buses to serve our BRT routes resulted in millions of gallons saved in diesel fuel and reduced engine emissions and noise pollution.
Solar Power for a Cleaner Fleet
Using 4,300 solar panels atop our West Campus facility assisted with charging our electric fleet and reducing metric tons of CO2 pollution
Reducing Waste with Smart Fare Payments
Moving to digital fare payment allowed for less paper waste
Protecting You and the Environment
Moving to strictly environmentally friendly cleaning chemicals produced safer surfaces for you and the natural world around you