50th Anniversary: Rolling Since 1975

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.

IndyGo Through the Years:

A Journey of Transit Innovation

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.

1979: Paratransit Services Expand

Metro installs the first wheelchair lift on a full-size transit bus and expands its Open Door fleet.

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

1990: IndyFlex Service Launches

IndyGo launches IndyFlex, an overnight, microtransit service for late-shift riders.

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.

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: Plans Announced to Triple Number of Bus Shelters

In May, IndyGo announces plans to triple its bus shelter numbers.

2001: Real-Time Bus Tracking Launches

In June, IndyGo launches real-time tracking for transit vehicles.

2001: Bike Racks Installed on Buses

IndyGo launches its Bike-to-Bus initiative, fitting buses with bike racks to encourage ridership.

2010s

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.

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

Red Line Launch Station with Balloons for Anniversary Page

IndyGo Launches its first BRT route, the Red Line, and its account-based fare payment system, MyKey.

2020s

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.

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.

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 Purple Line Ribbon Cutting-_20241018_04604

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