INDIANAPOLIS — IndyGo recently received a $150 million federal capital grant for construction of the upcoming Blue Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) route. The awarded funding comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Small Starts Capital Investment Grant. The FTA’s Capital Investment Grant contribution represents nearly 40% of the Blue Line’s estimated project budget.
The Blue Line will run 24 miles and connect the Indianapolis International Airport to the town of Cumberland via downtown Indianapolis along I-70, Holt Road and Washington Street.
“FTA is proud to support IndyGo with this grant. We have seen the way the Red and Purple Lines are improving people’s lives,” said FTA Regional Administrator Kelley Brookins. “I’m pleased to celebrate this grant for the new Blue Line, taking the next step in improving the way public transportation is delivered in Indianapolis.“
“This is the third and final planned BRT route, which collectively with the Red and Purple lines, will serve as the backbone for our entire transit system,” said IndyGo President and CEO Jennifer Pyrz. “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. We’re grateful to the FTA for putting their trust in us to deliver on this critical project and look forward to the positive impact this investment will have on the Central Indiana economy.”
The remaining project costs are being covered by a combination of local funding from the transit income tax authorized by the City-County Council and Indianapolis Mayor, as well as the Indianapolis Department of Public Works, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization, Citizens Energy Group, and other federal sources, including $1 million in Community Project Funding secured by Congressman André Carson and nearly $22 million from the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program. The FTA Small Starts grant funding is the latest milestone in the Blue Line project. This follows the recent award of construction contracts to three Central Indiana contractors Gradex Inc., F.A. Wilhelm Construction Co., and R.L. Turner Co.
Once completed, the Blue Line will reduce transit travel time and increase reliability and accessibility for riders. Beyond transit, much of the significant infrastructure improvements will go toward constructing critical safety improvements along the Washington Street corridor, including new traffic signals, new or upgraded sidewalks and pedestrian crossings, as well as new or upgraded curb ramps to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.
Transit riders will also benefit from the many BRT features, including more frequent and efficient service, level boarding, enhanced stations with real-time signage, off-board fare collection through MyKey and covered platforms for weather protection.
IndyGo will share the latest information regarding the anticipated construction schedule, planned detours and other relevant information during a series of public open houses taking place along the Blue Line corridor in February. Additional details regarding the dates and times of the open houses will be shared soon.
Construction is expected to begin in early 2025, with the route set to open for service in late 2028. Learn more about the project and sign up for the Blue Line newsletter here.
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