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What is the status of the Blue Line?/Is the project still happening?

Yes, the project is still happening! Since the higher-than-expected cost estimate at the 60% design stage, IndyGo has been working diligently to see if there is a way to progress the desired project, while maintaining the vision of BRT set forth by previous BRT projects. IndyGo also has been working closely with project partners, especially the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and City of Indianapolis, and has determined that there is a viable path forward for the Blue Line. IndyGo is currently progressing the following project development activities: 

• 90% design
  • Design along Washington Street east of Holt Road has not substantially changed from what was included in earlier design stages, with the exception of stormwater design. This means that center running BRT (similar to Red and Purple lines) is still being carried forward in design. 

• Working with the FTA and partner agencies to receive environmental approval (NEPA). 
• Updating FTA project ratings. 
• Working with FTA to coordinate Capital Investment Grant (CIG) agreement. 

IndyGo is working to complete the design phase of the Blue Line while still addressing funding gaps. We continue to work with project partners as we maintain our commitment to complete a transit project along Washington Street that delivers more efficient, accessible and rapid service to the community.

Why is the original route on West Washington Street between the Airport and Holt Road no longer included in the Blue Line? 

The decision to alter the Blue Line’s alignment between the Airport and Holt Road was made with heavy consideration and collaboration with key stakeholders. The high cost of construction in the segment, low existing and projected ridership, design delays and property acquisition challenges on that segment were all factors that led to the decision. The Blue Line will now operate on I-70 between the Airport and Holt Road, then connect back to West Washington Street via Holt Road. 

Why shift from electric to hybrid buses? 

The shift to hybrid buses allows IndyGo to reach our clean fleet goals of lowering our carbon footprint, aligns with the FTA Grant submission requirements and meets our operating range needs without the costs of charging infrastructure. Hybrid buses will also give us more flexibility moving forward.  The change has a significant cost savings, providing IndyGo a better chance at being able to proceed with the project. Note that this shift is only for the initial bus purchase right now. IndyGo will look for opportunities to replace the hybrid buses with zero emission vehicles as they are retired. Learn more here.

What is the latest timeline?

The 90% design phase is underway. There are a lot of moving pieces and factors that will determine the timeline moving forward. As such, the timeline is subject to change depending on how the project progresses. The following are current milestone estimates: 

• 90% Design -> November 2023 
• Final Design -> Q2 of 2024 
• FTA Grant Agreement -> Q3 of 2024 
• Construction Start -> Q1 of 2025 
• Construction End and Blue Line Opening -> 2027 

What are the latest cost projections? 

The current project cost estimate is between $370-390 million. As design progresses and IndyGo gets closer to executing the FTA Grant, a final cost estimate will be developed. 

How did IndyGo get the project costs down? 

Three primary components of the project were adjusted to reduce overall cost. The first was to modify the vehicle from battery electric to diesel hybrid propulsion. Changing vehicle propulsion type significantly reduced the total number of vehicles required to operate the line and also reduced charging infrastructure needs, both at IndyGo facilities and at each end of the line. See previous answer that expands further on this decision.  

The second component involved modifying the drainage design (with close coordination with the City of Indianapolis’ Department of Public Works and Citizens Energy Group) by consolidating detention sites and more closely considering which existing drainage systems could be feasibly included as a part of the project. Lastly, the Indianapolis International Airport has committed to leading construction for the future Blue Line’s western-most planned stop at the airport. 

How is IndyGo planning to fund the project at the current cost projections? 

Local contributions from IndyGo, the City of Indianapolis and Citizens Energy Group were all increased in order to fund the project. In addition to federal funds through the FTA, federal funds through the Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization (IMPO) are also being utilized on the project. IndyGo, in conjunction with the City of Indianapolis, is also diligently considering, and pursuing where appropriate, additional federal funding opportunities.  

Why are we building the Blue Line?

The Blue Line will provide access to work, education, health care, restaurants, entertainment, and shopping. It will be a cornerstone of a comprehensive set of transportation options serving Indianapolis and central Indiana and will offer an alternative to using autos for people of all ages. The Blue Line will follow IndyGo’s current Route 8, along Washington Street from Cumberland west to the Airport. With the Blue Line, local route improvements, and the density of the corridor, the Blue Line will extend the rapid-transit benefits to communities and neighborhoods all along its path.

In general, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems provide many of the benefits of light rail at a fraction of the cost. BRT systems provide increased frequency, reliability, comfort, and convenience relative to local bus services. The permanence of BRT infrastructure supports increased private investment in the corridor, contributing to increased economic opportunity and quality of life. 

What makes the selected routes the best option?

The Blue Line will serve one of the most active existing transit corridors on Washington St. The current Route 8 is one of IndyGo’s most heavily traveled routes and is an excellent candidate to be upgraded to BRT.

How much will the construction of the Blue Line cost?

The original cost estimate for the project in 2019, pre-COVID, when the Blue Line was at 30% design was $220 million. The 60% cost estimate for the project was more than $500 million. The current cost estimate, which is based on an updated 60% design including recent refinements, is $370-390 million.

How is the Blue Line’s construction being paid for?

The Blue Line construction will be paid for in part by the local transit tax, other local sources and federal funds.

How will the Blue Line’s operating expenses be paid for?

The Blue Line operations will be paid for through fare box revenue and local transit tax.

Fares and Fare Collection

The Blue Line will operate under the same fare structure as local IndyGo service. IndyGo is planning a comprehensive fare analysis to examine various alternatives to its current fare structure, independent of the Blue Line project.

Fare Enforcement

The Blue Line will utilize a “proof of payment” system for fare collection, where fares will be paid at ticket-vending machines on the station platform, through a mobile app, or some other form of fare media. To ensure compliance with the fare policy, IndyGo will employ fare-enforcement officers to randomly check passengers for proof of payment.

How will the Blue Line impact local transit services?

The Blue Line is one element of the Marion County Transit Plan; as such, optimal route alignments are being identified. It is likely that local routes that once traversed the same corridor as the Blue Line will now feed into the Blue Line, providing the potential for more frequent service in those areas.

Local routes will remain in service during construction of the Blue Line. During this time, there may be service advisories and/or detours to limit conflict with Blue Line construction and other construction activities occurring along the route. IndyGo will communicate impacts to IndyGo customers, commuters, local businesses, and the general public.

Service Hours, Schedules and Frequency

The Blue Line is planned to be operational from 5 – 1 a.m. on weekdays, 6 – 1 a.m. on Saturdays and 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. on Sundays. Service frequency is planned to be every 15 minutes.

Buses/Bus Specifications

The Blue Line will utilize rapid transit vehicles developed specifically for operation on IndyGo’s BRT lines. The rapid transit vehicles will be 60’ articulated buses with doors opening on either side of the vehicle.

Bicycle Infrastructure

Rapid transit vehicles will provide space for onboard bicycle storage. Bicyclists will board at a designated door nearest the space for bicycle storage, and platform-level boarding will enable bicyclists to conveniently and easily roll their bikes on and off each rapid transit vehicle. There will be no bike rack for bicycle storage on the front of the BRT buses.

More information will be provided as bicycle-storage components are determined.

Dedicated Lanes

To ensure the Blue Line is able to maintain its speed and frequency, now and in the future, Blue Line buses will operate in dedicated lanes along the majority of Washington St. Dedicated lanes improve reliability, which means that the bus arrives at the same time or at predictable intervals, regardless of time of day or day of week. They also greatly reduce impacts caused by congestion or traffic incidents, improve safety for all modes of transportation and allow for a dedicated lane for emergency vehicles to utilize as well.

Business Activity

BRT not only provides a needed alternative to auto use, but also enhances a community and provides an incentive for economic development. Since transit riders require no parking spaces at their destinations, rapid transit can reduce the need for businesses to provide their own parking, which can be very expensive. The permanence of BRT infrastructure supports increased private investment in the corridor, contributing to increased economic opportunity and quality of life.

Environmental

BRT provides positive benefits for the environment. Research shows that commuters can save hours of travel time by shifting to BRT. By proxy, this reduces both the hours they sit in idling vehicles and vehicle-miles traveled. BRT also translates into better local air quality and reduces the likelihood of road fatalities and crashes. (More information is available here.)

By using electric rapid transit vehicles, IndyGo will reduce its consumption of diesel fuel and the emissions that result from diesel vehicles. In addition, zero-emission, fully-electric buses produce little to no noise pollution, allowing the rapid transit vehicles to operate without impacting nearby people or activities. It is anticipated that at least some of the energy required to charge the rapid transit vehicles on a daily basis will be derived from the solar panels atop IndyGo’s facility.

Neighborhoods

Investment and economic impact

The increase in transit capacity can also support an increase in investment and employment within the corridor. The Cleveland HealthLine stimulated $5.5 billion in investment after its opening in 2008. Several studies have found that the implementation of a BRT system leads to an increase in the number of jobs within the transit corridor, as well.

Impact on crime

Increases of transit capacity and frequency, and the introduction of new transit service, has not been found to result in an increase in criminal activity. Further, the introduction of well-lit stations with security cameras and other security systems, can result in a safer pedestrian environment. Some studies have shown a decrease in criminal activity following the introduction of increased transit service. Research is available here and here.

Property Owners

Research suggests that proximity to a Rapid Transit service increases the values of nearby properties. A sample of this research includes Bowes and Ihlanfeldt (2001); Cervero and Duncan (2002); Baum-Snow and Kahn (2000); Garrett (2004); Hess and Almeida (2007); and Perk and Catalá (2009).)

Transit Riders

When the BRT system replaces local service on IndyGo’s busiest corridors, current transit riders will benefit from increased convenience, frequency, and reliability. In addition, transferring from local route service to the Blue Line will reduce wait times before boarding and travel times after boarding.

Left Turns and U-Turns with BRT

To maintain on-time transit service, safety for pedestrians and drivers, and traffic flow, many segments of IndyGo’s upcoming Red, Purple, and Blue BRT Lines will operate in exclusive or semi-exclusive center-running lanes. This means that the lanes are only for use by rapid transit vehicles and emergency vehicles, or may only be used by motor vehicle traffic under certain conditions.

When rapid transit vehicles are traveling in Bus Only Lanes, drivers will only be permitted to turn at signalized intersections for their safety. All signalized intersections will include a protected U-Turn phase and construction includes the addition of new signals to improve safety and flow. See video below: