Overview
During the pandemic, we pressed paused on the roll out of IndyGo’s network redesign. We have reignited the conversation by putting forth some changes to the network redesign to create a new future service plan that we can strive towards. Unlike the previous long-range service plan, if adopted, this new future service plan would be phased in over a five-year period between 2023 and 2027, as there are a number of other conditions that need to be met first. To understand how the proposed future service plan could enhance mobility throughout the region, see the Future Service Plan overview. Click below to explore how each of IndyGo’s existing routes would need to change to complete the network redesign.
Frequency Improvement
As IndyGo’s first premium Bus Rapid Transit route, the Red Line operates in some of the region’s highest ridership corridors (Shelby Street, Virginia Avenue, Capitol Avenue, Meridian and College Avenue) and will remain a critical part of having a fast, frequent, and reliable bus network well into the future.
To match demand in these corridors, the only modification to the Red Line is to re-establish the higher service frequency that was reduced due to the pandemic. Weekday service frequency would be improved to every 10 minutes for most hours of the day, with 15-minute frequencies in the late evening, early morning and on weekends. It is anticipated that this improvement would be completed in Phase 1 of the plan.
Route Dependencies
This improvement can be completed independent of other route changes.
Comparison to Marion County Transit Plan
The MCPT proposed the same alignment and frequency.
Click to view individual route changes through the full build out and how service replaces or complements changed or removed routes:
New Route and Frequency Improvement
The Purple Line, currently under construction, will share the same alignment as the Red Line from the Carson Transit Center to the 38th/Park Avenue station before continuing east/northeast to Fort Ben via 38th Street and Post Road. As IndyGo’s second Bus Rapid Transit route, the Purple Line will be a critical element of a fast, frequent, and reliable bus network.
When complete in 2024, the Purple Line would operate every 10 minutes for most of the day on weekdays with 15-minute frequencies early morning, late evening and on weekends. The combined frequency of the Red and Purple Line between the Carson Transit Center and 38th/Park Avenue station would be every 5 minutes for most of the day on weekdays and 7 ½ minutes in the early morning, late evening and on weekends.
Route Dependencies
When the Purple Line is complete, modifications to Routes 3, 4, 15, 30 and 38 would be implemented at the same time to reduce duplication and maximize ridership. Route 39 East 38th Street would be retired when the Purple Line becomes operational.
Comparison to Marion County Transit Plan
A similar alignment and frequency was proposed, but the MCTP assumed the Purple Line would provide service on Meridian between downtown and 18th Street.
Click to view individual route changes through the full build out and how service replaces or complements changed or removed routes:
New Route and Frequency Improvement
The Blue Line will be the third Bus Rapid Transit route that will further develop the fast, frequent, and reliable grid network. The Blue Line would largely mirror the existing Route 8 alignment in the Washington Street corridor, with some modifications on the west end of the route:
- Between Cumberland and Washington Avenue/Tibbs Avenue, the Blue Line would operate every 10 minutes for most of the day on weekdays with 15-minute frequencies early morning, late evening and on weekends.
- West of Washington Avenue/Tibbs Avenue, every other trip of the Blue Line would continue express to the Indianapolis International Airport via Holt Avenue and I-70.
- A new local route would operate every 30 minutes on weekdays and weekend days between Washington Avenue/Tibbs Avenue and Bridgeport.
- Route 8 would be retired when the Blue Line is operational
The Blue Line is anticipated to be completed in Phase 6 of the plan. Click here to view an interactive map of the proposed Blue Line.
Route Dependencies
When the Blue Line is complete, Route 8 would be retired and a new local route on W. Washington Avenue to Bridgeport would be provided.
Comparison to Marion County Transit Plan
The MCTP proposed a similar alignment and frequency.
The construction for the Blue Line bus rapid transit project is currently under review; however, IndyGo is committed to maintaining transit access as illustrated on the map below.
Frequency Improvement and Alignment Change
Existing Route 2 would be modified primarily to make a direct connection to the future Purple Line on E. 38th Street as well as to provide bidirectional service to the College Avenue corridor between downtown and 38th Street. The future Route 2 would then continue to provide service on E. 34th Street but would also be modified to continue via Shadeland Avenue, 30th Street, Franklin Road and 33rd Street and serve the new IndyGo East Campus.
Modifications to Route 2 would occur at different stages:
- First, Route 2 would operate via Delaware/Alabama in downtown to Fort Wayne Avenue, 10th Street, College Avenue to Fall Creek/Sutherland before continuing via 34th Street, Shadeland Avenue, 30th Street, Franklin Road and 33rd Street to the new IndyGo East Campus. This alignment is temporary while the Purple Line is under construction and before a section of College Avenue is converted from one-way to two-way. It is anticipated that this change would happen in Phase 1 of the plan.
- Frequency on Route 2 would also be improved in Phase 1 to operate every 30 minutes on weekdays and at peak periods on Saturday, with hourly service during off peak periods on Saturday and all day on Sunday.
- As soon as the Purple Line is operational and the College Avenue two-way conversion project is complete, Route 2 would use Delaware/Alabama, Ohio Street, College Avenue and 38th Street making a connection to one of two Purple Line stations on 38th The route would then continue via Orchard Avenue, 34th Street, Shadeland Avenue, 30th Street, Franklin Road and 33rd Street to the IndyGo East Campus. This change is anticipated to occur in Phase 3 of the plan when the Purple Line is complete.
Route Dependencies
As noted above, Route 2 would be modified in stages to correspond to the Purple Line implementation as well the two-way conversion of College Avenue. When both are complete, and Route 2 serves the entire College Avenue corridor between downtown and 38th Street, the existing Route 38 would be retired.
Comparison to Marion County Transit Plan
The MCTP proposed a similar alignment and frequency but this route was intended to be renamed Route 4.
Click to view individual route changes through the full build out and how service replaces or complements changed or removed routes:
Alignment Change and Frequency Improvement
To better connect destinations and serve segments of routes eliminated or modified when the Purple Line is complete, existing Route 3 would be modified and split into two routes at the Carson Transit Center. Future Route 3 would assume the eastern half of the existing route and continue to Community Hospital North via Shadeland Avenue. The western half of the route would largely have the same alignment as the existing Route 3 but be renamed as a new route (see Route 9).
Existing Route 3 modifications and improvements would occur in several stages:
- First, the existing eastern half of the route on Michigan Street/New York Street and Arlington Avenue would be combined with a segment of Route 4 from 46th/Arlington Avenue to provide a connection to Community Hospital North via Shadeland Avenue. The route would also remain on Arlington Avenue instead of deviating to serve Community Hospital East to provide faster and more direct service. The western half of this route would become a new Route 9. These changes are anticipated to happen in Phase 3 of the plan when the Purple Line is complete.
- As it is today, weekday frequency on Route 3 would be every 30 minutes between the Carson Transit Center and 46th Street/Arlington Avenue and every hour between 46th Street/Arlington Avenue and Community Hospital North. At full buildout (Phase 6 of the plan), weekday frequency would be improved to every 15 minutes between the Carson Transit Center and 46th Street/Arlington Avenue and every 30 minutes to Community Hospital North. This improvement is intended to provide better frequency to low-income/high-need areas and offers a new high-frequency crosstown route on Arlington Avenue.
Route Dependencies
Modifications to Route 3 are contingent on the completion of the Purple Line and when Route 4 is retired. Also, when E. Michigan Street is converted from one-way to two-way, Route 3 would operate bi-directionally on E. Michigan Street.
Comparison to Marion County Transit Plan
The MCTP proposed a similar alignment and frequency.
Click to view individual route changes through the full build out and how service replaces or complements changed or removed routes:
Route Retirement
The existing Route 4 would be retired as part of the route restructuring associated with the Purple Line, but most segments of Route 4 would continue to be served by another route.
The segments of existing Route 4 that would be served by other routes include:
- Service on Central Avenue between 38th Street and the Carson Transit Center is replaced by Routes 19 and 28.
- The Purple Line would replace Route 4 service on E. 38th Street from Central Avenue and Meadows Drive.
- A modified Route 5 would provide service on Meadows Drive.
- The segment of 42nd Street between Sherman Drive and Arlington Avenue would be deleted due to low ridership.
- The northern portion of the route on 46th Street and Shadeland Avenue would be served by a modified Route 3.
- Service to Fort Ben via 56th Street would be replaced by the Purple Line.
Route 4 is anticipated to be retired in Phase 3 of the plan.
Route Dependencies
Modifications to Route 4 are dependent on completion of the Purple Line. Existing routes that would be modified at the same time as Route 4 include Routes 3, 5, 19 and 28.
Comparison to Marion County Transit Plan
The MCTP also proposed elimination of Route 4.
Click to view individual route changes through the full build out and how service replaces or complements changed or removed routes:
Alignment Change
Route 5 would be modified as part of the route restructuring associated with the new Purple Line and to provide better service to a low-income/high-need area. Route 5 would also be modified to terminate at the 22nd Street Red/Purple Line station instead of continue downtown.
A summary of changes to Route 5 include:
- The route would serve the Meadows Drive area (to replace a segment of retired Route 4)
- The route would no longer directly serve downtown and instead provide a new crosstown connection on E. 22nd Street, AJ Brown, and E. 25th Street to the 22nd Street Red/Purple Line Station. Schedules would be alternated along this segment with a modified Route 21 to provide 15-minute peak and midday weekday frequency west of Sherman Drive/25th Street.
- Service on Route 5 would remain every 30 minutes on weekdays and hourly on weekends.
All changes to Route 5 are anticipated to occur in Phase 3 of the plan.
Route Dependencies
Modifications to Route 21 and the retirement of Route 4 would happen at the same time that Route 5 is modified.
Comparison to Marion County Transit Plan
The termination of Route 5 at the Red/Purple Line station, as well as service on 25th Street/AJ Brown/21st Street are similar to what was proposed in the MCTP. However, the extension of service north of 25th on Sherman Drive to 42nd Street and the loop via Meadows Drive, 38th Street, Keystone Avenue, and Millersville Road are different.
Click to view individual route changes through the full build out and how service replaces or complements changed or removed routes:
Alignment Change and Frequency Improvement
Modifications to Route 6 are minor and intended to make more efficient use of existing resources and minimize duplication between routes. Service frequency is also improved that would provide better service to a low-income and high-need area.
Changes include:
- The northern segment of the route that serves Clifton Street, 36th Street, Elmira Street, and 35th Street would be eliminated and served by a modified Route 34 operating on 30th Street and Clifton Street.
- Route 6 would operate every 30 minutes on weekdays and hourly on weekends until later in the plan when service is increased to 15-minutes on weekdays and 30-minutes on weekends.
The initial alignment change is anticipated to happen in Phase 2 of the plan, whereas the frequency improvement is anticipated to occur in Phase 4.
Route Dependencies
Modifications to Route 6 would be done at the same time as Route 34.
Comparison to Marion County Transit Plan
The MCTP proposed a similar alignment and frequency.
Click to view individual route changes through the full build out and how service replaces or complements changed or removed routes:
Route Retirement
Route 8 would remain unchanged until the Blue Line is implemented, at which time Route 8 would be retired. This is anticipated to happen in Phase 6 of the plan.
Route Dependencies
Changes to Route 8 could be completed independent of other route changes.
Comparison to Marion County Transit Plan
The MCTP also proposed retiring Route 8 when the Blue Line was complete.
Click to view individual route changes through the full build out and how service replaces or complements changed or removed routes:
See Blue Line Map above.
Alignment Change and New Route Name
When the Purple Line is operational, the existing Route 3 would be split into two separate routes to improve route reliability and improve legibility related to improvements on the east end of the route. The Route 3 name would be maintained on the eastern portion of the route and the new Route 9 would be assigned to the western half of the route. Minor modifications would be made to this new route:
- Leaving the Carson Transit Center, Route 9 would be modified slightly to operate via Alabama Street to Michigan Street/Vermont Street instead of via Ohio Street to Indiana Street.
- There are no modifications to the route between Indiana Street/Michigan Street and W. Vermont Street and Mickley Avenue.
- The existing alignment on the west end of the route would be extended via Mickley Avenue, Beachway Drive, 10th Street and Lynhurst Drive to better serve a neighborhood shopping center as well as high-density apartments. This change could take place in Phase 1 and is not dependent on any other route modifications.
- As with existing Route 3, Route 9 would provide service every 30 minutes on weekdays and hourly on weekends.
- The modifications to Route 9 would also provide a new connection with Route 10 on 10th
Splitting Route 3 into two separate routes is anticipated to happen in Phase 3 of the plan.
Route Dependencies
Route 9 modifications would happen at the same time that existing Route 3 is split into two routes. A minor service adjustment would be made when construction of the Vermont Super Stops is complete.
Comparison to Marion County Transit Plan
A similar alignment and frequency were proposed in the MCTP but the western end of existing Route 3 was renamed as Route 2.
Click to view individual route changes through the full build out and how service replaces or complements changed or removed routes:
Alignment Change, Frequency Improvement and Route Extension
Route 10 provides service to one of Indianapolis’ highest ridership corridors (10th Street) and is an important part of the frequent service network. This route would be modified to better match service levels with demand on the core segment of the route and provide new connections to jobs and services on the branches of the route.
Modifications to Route 10 include:
- Between Lynhurst Drive and Arlington Avenue, Route 10 would generally operate on 10th Street (with service in downtown to the Carson Transit Center) and operate every 15-minutes seven days a week. The higher service level on this segment reflects higher ridership demand in this corridor.
- The eastern segment of Route 10 would continue to serve E. 10th Street and terminate on E. Washington Street in Cumberland. This segment of the route would operate every 30 minutes seven days a week.
- There would be two branches on the west end of the route, both of which would operate every 30 minutes seven days a week:
- Via 10th Street to Raceway Road/Rockville Road to terminate at Meijer – a new destination. This segment of the route largely mirrors the existing route but service would be removed on several corridors at the end of the route (Girls School Road, Country Club Road and Rockville Road between Girls School Road and Raceway Road).
- Via Lynhurst to W 22nd Street to serve Speedway Center before continuing north via 25th Street to High School Road, W 46th Street, Moller Road, and Pike Plaza Road before terminating at the Walmart on Lafayette Road. This branch largely mirrors the existing Route 10 alignment but removes service on W. 16th Street and Cunningham Road and is extended to cover portions a modified Route 25.
All changes to Route 10 are anticipated to happen in Phase 2 of the plan.
Route Dependencies
Because of alignment changes on the west end of several routes, Route 10 would be modified at the same time as modifications to Route 25 and Route 30.
Comparison to Marion County Transit Plan
A similar alignment and frequency was proposed in the MCTP on the core route alignment, but the branches on both ends were different.
Click to view individual route changes through the full build out and how service replaces or complements changed or removed routes:
Alignment Change and Frequency Improvement
Route 11 would continue to provide service between downtown and neighborhoods along E. 16th Street but would be modified to provide service along a longer stretch of this corridor as well as serve the Meridian corridor between downtown and 16th Street.
Modifications to Route 11 include:
- Between the Carson Transit Center and 16th Street, Route 11 would operate via Ohio Street and Meridian Street. Schedules on Route 11 would be alternated with a modified Route 25 in this segment to operate every 15 minutes on weekday and every 30 minutes on weekends. This change would replace the high frequency service currently provided by Route 39 in the Meridian Street corridor when the Purple Line is complete and Route 39 is retired.
- Route 11 would terminate at Community Hospital East and the segment of the existing route east of Arlington Avenue is removed due to low ridership. The existing terminal loop via Franklin Road, E. 21st Street and Wellesley Road would continue to have service on E. 21st Street (see Route 21).
- Service would be improved to every 30 minutes on weekdays to provide more frequent service to this area. Service would continue to operate hourly on weekends.
- Route 11 would serve a portion of E. 16th Street that would be eliminated by modifying Route 5.
- To provide more direct and reliable service on the 16th Street corridor, Route 11 would operate via Brookside Parkway rather than deviate into the neighborhood on Newland Avenue and Olney Street.
All modifications to Route 11 are anticipated to happen in Phase 2 of the plan.
Route Dependencies
Modifications to Route 11 would be done at the same time as modified Route 25 so that high frequency service would continue to be provided on Meridian south of 16th Street.
Comparison to Marion County Transit Plan
The MCTP proposed Route 11 as a crosstown on 16th Street between Arlington Avenue and Lynhurst Drive with two branches on the west end of the route. Service was not proposed to continue downtown. The MCTP also proposed service on 16th Street operating every 15 minutes on weekdays.
Click to view individual route changes through the full build out and how service replaces or complements changed or removed routes:
Route Retirement
To better match service levels with demand in this area, the highest ridership segments of Routes 12 and 13 are consolidated into a single route (Route 13) and Route 12 would be retired.
Route 12 is anticipated to be retired in Phase 2 of the plan.
Route Dependencies
This change would happen at the same time as other route modifications in this area, including modifications to Routes 13 and 16 and new Route 56.
Comparison to Marion County Transit Plan
The MCTP proposed service in this area to be provided by a new route that would operate between downtown and Beech Grove. The envisioned route (named Route 5) also had a split alignment in the middle of the route. Service on the split alignment would have been every 30 minutes.
Click to view individual route changes through the full build out and how service replaces or complements changed or removed routes:
Alignment Change and Frequency Improvement
Route 13 would continue to connect downtown Indianapolis to neighborhoods in the near southeast neighborhoods but be modified to better match service levels with demand by consolidating the highest ridership segments of Routes 12 and 13 into a single route. Modifications to Route 13 include:
- From the Carson Transit Center, Route 13 would continue south via Virginia Avenue, East Street, Raymond Street, State Avenue, Minnesota Avenue, Perkins Avenue, Raymond Street, Sherman Drive, Albany Street and Keystone Avenue before terminating at the Walmart Neighborhood Market.
- Service would be improved from every two hours to hourly, seven days a week.
- A pilot microtransit service would also be provided in this area.
Modifications to Route 13 are anticipated to happen in Phase 2 of the plan.
Route Dependencies
This change would happen at the same time as other route modifications in this area, including retiring Route 12 and modifications to Route 16 and new Route 56.
Comparison to Marion County Transit Plan
The MCTP proposed service in this area to be provided by a new route that would operate between downtown and Beech Grove. The envisioned route (named Route 5) also had a split alignment in the middle of the route that serves most of the corridors served by Route 13. Service on the common segment of the envisioned route would have been 15 minutes with 30 minute service on the split alignment.
Click to view individual route changes through the full build out and how service replaces or complements changed or removed routes:
Route Retirement
As part of the restructuring of service in southeast Indianapolis and to better match service with demand, Route 14 would be retired and all segments would be replaced by new Route 56 serving English Street, Southeastern Avenue and Emerson Avenue and modified Route 26 serving Prospect Street and Virginia Avenue.
Route 14 is anticipated to be retired in Phase 2 of the plan.
Route Dependencies
This change would happen at the same time as other route modifications in this area, including modifications to Routes 26 and new Route 56.
Comparison to Marion County Transit Plan
The MCTP also proposed retiring this route and replacing it with a new Route 56.
Click to view individual route changes through the full build out and how service replaces or complements changed or removed routes:
Alignment Change and Route Retirement
As part of the route restructuring associated with Route 30, and because service along significant portions of this route would be covered by other routes, existing Route 15 would be retired. Most existing Route 15 stops would still be served by existing Route 34 on MLK Street and a modified Route 30 serving W. 30th Street and W 34th Street as well as in the Eagle Creek neighborhood.
Prior to this route being retired, a minor route alignment change is planned that would be served in the future when Route 30 is modified.
- From 34th Street/Moller Road, Route 15 would continue north on Moller Road, 38th Street, Eagle Creek Pkwy, 34th Street, Bayhead Drive, 38th Street, Eagle Creek Pkwy, 46th Street, and Inland Drive. This modification would be done in Phase 2 of the plan so that the existing bus stops on Moller Road (between 34th and 38th Streets) are not removed and then replaced again when Route 25 ends at Speedway Plaza and modified Route 30 serves this segment.
Route 15 is anticipated to be retired in Phase 3 of the plan.
Route Dependencies
The minor route change described above would take place at the same time Route 25 is modified. When Route 30 is modified, Route 15 would be retired.
Comparison to Marion County Transit Plan
The MCTP also proposed retiring Route 15 and replacing service with a modified Route 37.
Click to view individual route changes through the full build out and how service replaces or complements changed or removed routes:
Alignment Change
As part of the restructuring of service in southeast Indianapolis, and to better match service with demand, Route 16 would be modified to cover most existing stops as well as the southern segment of modified Route 26. A summary of the modified Route 16 is as follows:
- From downtown, Route 16 would continue serving Meridian Street and Troy Avenue and then continue south via Keystone Avenue, Hanna Avenue, Sherman Drive, Redfern Drive, S. 9th Avenue and Thompson Avenue to serve segments of existing Route 26. Route 16 would then continue via Emerson Avenue to the Walmart south of County Line Road, replacing segments of existing Route 14.
- Schedules on Route 16 would be alternated with Route 31 to provide 30-minute service on Meridian Street between downtown and Pleasant Run Parkway.
Modifications to Route 16 are anticipated to happen in Phase 2 of the plan.
Route Dependencies
This change would happen at the same time as other route modifications in this area, including modifications to Routes 26 and new Route 56.
Comparison to Marion County Transit Plan
A similar alignment and frequency was proposed in the MCTP but rather than continue to County Line Road via Emerson Avenue, the route was assumed to end at Thompson Road. The MCTP also renamed this Route 22.
Click to view individual route changes through the full build out and how service replaces or complements changed or removed routes:
Route Retirement
To minimize duplication of service between Route 18 and modifications to Routes 26 and 28, Route 18 would be retired. The following summarizes the existing Route 18 stops that would be served by other routes.
- Route 28 would serve the Butler/Tarkington neighborhood via Boulevard Pl, 46th Street and Sunset Avenue and provide a direct connection to downtown via Central Avenue.
- A branch of a modified Route 26 would provide a connection from Butler University to Broad Ripple and Glendale Town Center via W 49th Street, Illinois Street, Westfield Street, Broad Ripple Avenue.
- Existing Route 18 stops on Illinois Street and Capitol Avenue would be eliminated and served by the Red/Purple Line on Meridian Street and Capitol Avenue.
Route 18 is anticipated to be retired in Phase 2 of the plan.
Route Dependencies
This change would happen at the same time Routes 26 is modified and frequencies are improved on Route 28.
Comparison to Marion County Transit Plan
The MCTP also proposed that this route be retired and replaced with service on other routes.
Click to view individual route changes through the full build out and how service replaces or complements changed or removed routes:
Alignment Change
Route 19 would continue to serve the Central Avenue corridor from downtown to 42nd Street but be modified on the northern end of the route to better align service levels with demand. Modifications to Route 19 include:
- Existing Route 19 has a split alignment via 46th Street and 52nd Street between Central Avenue and Keystone Avenue with hourly weekday and 120-minute weekend service on each alignment. To improve legibility of the service and provide better service to one corridor, Route 19 would be modified to serve just the 46th Street corridor.
- Route 19 would end at Glendale Town Center, eliminating service to Castleton Square via 62nd Street and Allisonville Road. This segment of the route has low ridership and service to Castleton Square would be provided by a modified Route 901.
- Schedules on the modified Route 19 would also be alternated with Route 28 on Central Avenue between 38th Street and downtown to provide 15-minute service in this corridor.
Modifications to Route 19 are anticipated to happen in Phase 1 of the plan.
Route Dependencies
This change would need to happen at the same time Route 901 is modified to serve Castleton Square.
Comparison to Marion County Transit Plan
The MCTP proposed that this route continue to Castleton Square via Allisonville Road and retain the split alignment via 46th Street and 52nd Street.
Click to view individual route changes through the full build out and how service replaces or complements changed or removed routes:
Alignment Change and Frequency Improvement
Route 21 would be modified as part of the route restructuring associated with the new Purple Line and modified at the same time as Route 5 to provide a new high-frequency crosstown corridor. Modifications to Route 21 include:
- East of 21st Street and Sherman, there are no changes to the route.
- Instead of providing service to downtown, Route 21 is modified to terminate at Red Line station at 22nd Street via Sherman Drive, 25th Street, AJ Brown, and 22nd
- Frequency on this route would be improved from every hour to 30 minutes on weekdays to serve this high-need area, and schedules would be alternated with Route 5 to provide 15-minute weekday service on 25th Street/ AJ Brown/ 22nd
Route 21 is anticipated to be modified in Phase 3 of the plan.
Route Dependencies
This change would need to happen at the same time Route 5 is modified so that the two routes provide high-frequency service west of Sherman Street on 25th Street, AJ Brown, and 22nd Street.
Comparison to Marion County Transit Plan
A similar alignment and frequency was proposed in the MCTP east of Sherman Avenue, but service was envisioned to continue via 21st Street and terminate at Arlington Avenue before being interlined with service on 16th Street west of Arlington Avenue.
Click to view individual route changes through the full build out and how service replaces or complements changed or removed routes:
Frequency Improvement
No modifications would be made to this route except weekday service would be improved to 30 minutes with hourly service on weekends.
The frequency improvement on Route 24 is anticipated to occur in Phase 6 of the plan.
Route Dependencies
The frequency improvement on this route would be coordinated with the extension of Route 25 via Lynhurst Drive so that connections between these two routes could potentially be coordinated. Weekday frequency improvements could also be phased in earlier in the plan during peak periods.
Comparison to Marion County Transit Plan
A similar alignment was proposed in the MCTP but frequency was every hour on weekdays rather than every 30 minutes.
Click to view individual route changes through the full build out and how service replaces or complements changed or removed routes:
Alignment Change and Frequency Improvement
Route 25 would be modified to focus service on W. 16th Street and to remove duplication of service with the modified Route 30 in the Eagledale neighborhood. A summary of modifications to Route 25 include:
- First, Route 25 would continue from Carson Transit Center via Ohio Street to Meridian Street before turning west on 16th Schedules would be alternated with modified Route 11 to provide 15-minute weekday frequency on the Meridian Street corridor south of 16th. Route 25 would terminate at Speedway Center via Lynhurst Drive, W. 22nd Street, Woolco Lane and Crawfordsville Road.
- Later in the plan, Route 25 would be modified to extend south via Lynhurst Drive at 16th Street to W. Minnesota Street, Executive Drive, Fortune Cir, Southern Avenue, Lynhurst Drive and Kentucky Avenue to terminate at the Kroger north of Mann Road. This extension would provide a new crosstown route via Lynhurst Drive and provide new connections to Route 3, Route 10, the Blue Line (E. Washington) and Route 24.
Initial changes to Route 25 are anticipated to happen In Phase 2 of the plan with the extension of service via Lynhurst happening in Phase 6.
Route Dependencies
Several routes would need to be modified in Phase 2 of the plan when Route 25 is modified.
- Route 10 would be modified due to alignment changes on the north end of this route.
- Route 11 would be modified so that high frequency service would continue to be provided on Meridian south of 16th Street.
Comparison to Marion County Transit Plan
The MCTP proposed an extension of this route to serve Lynhurst Drive south of 16th Street. However, the MCTP also proposed that this route be terminated at Fortune Circle instead of continuing south to Kentucky Avenue to make a connection to Route 24. On the north end, the MCTP proposed a similar extension from Speedway Center to 46th Street via HS Road.
Click to view individual route changes through the full build out and how service replaces or complements changed or removed routes:
Alignment Change and Frequency Improvement
To better match service with demand in the Near Eastside, and to facilitate connections to other frequent routes without having to travel downtown, Route 26 is modified and frequency is increased, as summarized below:
- Route 26 would continue to operate largely via Keystone Avenue/Rural Street from Prospect Street to Glendale Town Center. However, rather than continue to south Indianapolis, the route is modified to serve the Prospect Street and Virginia Avenue before terminating at the Carson Transit Center. Service on this segment of the route would be greatly improved compared to the existing route. It should be noted that when Rural Street is improved to allow buses to pass safely underneath (planned to be complete by 2025), Route 26 would stay on Rural Street between Washington Street and English Avenue.
- At Glendale Town Center, the route would be split into two branches. One branch would mirror the existing route via Keystone Avenue to Keystone at the Crossing. The other branch would continue via 62nd Street to Broad Ripple Avenue, Westfield Blvd, Illinois Street and 49th Street to terminate at Butler University.
- Route 18 would be retired because of the modification to Route 26.
Improvements to this route would happen in several phases.
- In Phase 2 of the plan, service on the main segment of the route would be provided every 15 minutes during weekday peak periods and every 30 minutes all other times.
- In Phase 3 of the plan, service on the main segment of the route would be provided every 15 minutes all day on weekdays and every 30 minutes on weekends. Service on the branches to Butler University and Keystone at the Crossing would be every 30 minutes on weekdays and every hour on weekends.
Route Dependencies
Several routes would need to be modified at the same time as the changes to Route 26. On the south end of the route, Routes 14 and 16 would need to be modified to provide service to removed segments of existing Route 26 south of Troy Avenue. Because these changes are significant, all routes in South Indianapolis would be modified at the same time (Routes 12, 13, 14, 16, and a new route 56).
On the north end of the route, Route 18 would be retired at the same time that Route 26 is extended to Butler University via Broad Ripple. The southern end of Route 18 would be covered by changes to Route 28.
Comparison to Marion County Transit Plan
The MCTP proposed a similar alignment and frequency.
Click to view individual route changes through the full build out and how service replaces or complements changed or removed routes:
Alignment Change and Frequency Improvement
Route 28 would be modified to provide more direct service to the Butler/Tarkington neighborhood and to prepare for other route modifications when the Purple Line is operational. Modifications to Route 28 include:
- The alignment would be modified to operate from the Carson Transit Center to 38th Street mostly via Central Avenue. Route 19 would also operate on the same alignment and schedules between the two routes would be alternated to provide 15 minute frequency in this corridor. This change would provide important service in the Central Avenue corridor south of 38th Street when the Purple Line replaces Route 39.
- To provide better coverage to the neighborhoods near Tarkington Park, Route 28 would also be modified to operate via Boulevard Pl between 38th Street and 46th
- North of Kessler Blvd, Route 28 would be modified to operate via Meridian/64th to eliminate regular detours that occur in inclement weather.
- Route 28 would partially replace Route 18 which is retired when Route 26 is modified.
The alignment change on Route 28 is anticipated to occur in Phase 1 of the plan. Frequency of the route would then be improved in Phase 2 of the plan to correspond with changes to Route 26 and retirement of Route 18.
Route Dependencies
This change would need to happen at the same time Route 26 is modified and Route 18 is retired. This change would also need to happen prior to the Purple Line so that high frequency service is maintained in the Central Avenue corridor.
Comparison to Marion County Transit Plan
The MCTP proposed a similar alignment and frequency.
Click to view individual route changes through the full build out and how service replaces or complements changed or removed routes:
Alignment Change, Frequency Improvement and Route Extension
Route 30 currently provides crosstown service mostly on 30th Street with an extension on the east end to E. Washington via Shadeland Avenue and on the west end via Cold Spring Road to Lafayette Road. While this route provides offers an important crosstown connection, both ends of the existing route have shown that existing service levels are greater than the demand. As such, when the Purple Line is operational, this route would be modified on both ends to serve segments of other routes that have been modified and to provide stronger destinations on both ends. Modifications to Route 30 include:
- On the east end of the route, the segment on Shadeland Avenue between 30th Street and E. Washington Street is eliminated and extended east via 30th Street to Franklin Road and E. 42nd Street to serve some previous Route 39 stops as well as make a connection to the Purple Line. More importantly, this route would then continue north on Mitthoeffer Road to Pendleton Pike and provide a new connection to Walmart and Kroger near German Church Road.
- On the west end of the route, Route 30 would be modified to serve several previous Routes 15 and Route 38 stops and terminate in the Eagle Creek neighborhood.
- Frequency on this route would be increased to every 30 minutes on weekdays and remain hourly on weekends.
All changes to Route 30 are anticipated to happen in Phase 3 of the plan.
Route Dependencies
To provide coverage on 42nd Street between Franklin Road and Mitthoeffer Road, changes to Route 30 would need to be done at the same time the Purple Line is operational and Route 39 is retired. On the west end, Route 30 would also need to be done when Routes 15 and 38 are retired.
Comparison to Marion County Transit Plan
A similar alignment on the middle of the route and western branch was proposed, but the MCTP assumed two branches on the east end of the route.
Click to view individual route changes through the full build out and how service replaces or complements changed or removed routes:
Alignment Change
Route 31 would be modified to make better connections to the Red Line and to provide bi-directional service on Shelby Street and County Line Road to improve service legibility. Modifications to Route 31 include:
- While there are no modifications on Route 31 between the Carson Transit Center and Madison Avenue/Hanna Blvd, the route would be modified to continue via Madison Avenue to Thompson Road before continuing south on East Street. This modification would provide a more direct connection to the Red Line and Route 902.
- On the south end of the route, service would be bi-directional on Shelby Street and County Line Road before terminating at the Greenwood Park Mall.
- Schedules on Route 31 would be alternated with modified Route 16 to provide 30-minute service on Meridian Street between downtown and Pleasant Run Parkway.
Modifications to Route 31 are anticipated to happen in Phase 2 of the plan, but because they are expected to be cost neutral, could be implemented at any time.
Route Dependencies
This modification could be completed independent of other route changes.
Comparison to Marion County Transit Plan
The MCTP proposed a similar modification to make a better connection to the Red Line.
Click to view individual route changes through the full build out and how service replaces or complements changed or removed routes:
Alignment Change
To reduce duplication of service and provide a better connection, Route 34 would be modified via 30th Street and Clifton Street to provide service on a segment of Route 6 that is eliminated. There are no other modifications on Route 34.
The modification to Route 34 is expected to happen in Phase 2 of the plan.
Route Dependencies
Modifications to Route 34 would be done at the same time as Route 6.
Comparison to Marion County Transit Plan
The MCTP proposed the same alignment change.
Click to view individual route changes through the full build out and how service replaces or complements changed or removed routes:
No Proposed Changes
No modifications would be made to Route 37.
Route Dependencies
No route dependencies.
Comparison to Marion County Transit Plan
The MCTP proposed a deviation of this route via 30th Street, Georgetown Road, 34th Street, and Moller Road before continuing north on Georgetown Road along the existing alignment.
Click to view individual route changes through the full build out and how service replaces or complements changed or removed routes:
Route Retirement
To better match service levels with demand in the middle of this route, Route 38 would be retired and replaced by two other routes. Retiring this route would also account for poor pedestrian access along I-65 as well as duplication of service on the western end of the route. Service on this route would largely be replaced by the following changes:
- Modified Route 2 would provide service on College Avenue between the Carson Transit Center and 38th
- Route 28 would provide service on 38th Street between Central Avenue/38th Street and Boulevard Pl/38th
- Previous Route 38 stops west of Moller Road would be served by modified Route 30
Changes to Route 38 are anticipated to happen in Phase 3 of the plan when the changes listed above would happen, which are aligned with the Purple Line opening.
Route Dependencies
This route would be done at the same time Route 30 is modified and Route 2 is modified to serve the entire College Avenue corridor south of 38th Street.
Comparison to Marion County Transit Plan
The MCTP also proposed that this route be retired and replaced with service on other routes.
Click to view individual route changes through the full build out and how service replaces or complements changed or removed routes:
Route Retirement
Route 39 would be retired and replaced by the new Purple Line, the modified Route 30 and Routes 19 and 28 on Central Avenue south of 38th.
Route 39 is anticipated to be retired in Phase 3 of the plan.
Route Dependencies
This change would need to happen at the same time as the Purple Line
Comparison to Marion County Transit Plan
The MCTP assumed Route 39 would be replaced by the Purple Line.
Click to view individual route changes through the full build out and how service replaces or complements changed or removed routes:
Route Retirement
The Route 55 name would be retired and replaced by a modified Route 26 and the new Route 56 east of Sherman Drive. East of Sherman Drive, demand does not justify existing service levels, and most of the Irvington neighborhood is within ¼ to ½ mile of Washington Street and much better service on the existing Route 8 and the future Blue Line.
This route is anticipated to be retired in Phase 2 of the plan to correspond with other route changes in SE Indianapolis.
Route Dependencies
To cover the western half of the existing Route 55, modifications to Route 26 and the new Route 56 would happen at the same time.
Comparison to Marion County Transit Plan
The MCTP would have retained this route, but it would have been streamlined to operate on Brookville Road instead of directly serving the Irvington neighborhood.
Click to view individual route changes through the full build out and how service replaces or complements changed or removed routes:
New Route Name
The new Route 56 would provide service to several corridors where service has been eliminated, including sections of existing Route 55 on English Avenue from the Carson Transit Center to Sherman Drive and the existing Route 14 between Sherman Drive/Prospect Street and Emerson Avenue/Thompson Road. As with the routes it is replacing, service on Route 56 would be provided every hour seven days a week.
Route 56 is anticipated to be implemented in Phase 2 of the plan along with all other SE Indianapolis route changes.
Route Dependencies
All changes in SE Indianapolis are anticipated to happen at the same time, but this new route must be implemented at the same time Route 26 is modified and Route 55 is retired.
Comparison to Marion County Transit Plan
The MCTP proposed a similar alignment between the Carson Transit Center and Thompson Road, but would have extended service to County Line Road via Emerson Avenue. Schedules on this route were assumed to be alternated with Route 55 (which was retained) to provide more frequent service west of Sherman Drive.
Click to view individual route changes through the full build out and how service replaces or complements changed or removed routes:
Route Retirement
To better align service in the 86th Street corridor with demand along the entire corridor, Route 86 would be retired and stops east of College Avenue would be replaced by a modified Route 901. West of College Avenue, Routes 28, 34 and 37 would continue to provide service to existing Route 86 stops with the most ridership.
Route 86 is anticipated to be retired in Phase 1 of the plan.
Route Dependencies
This change would need to take place at the same time Route 901 is modified.
Comparison to Marion County Transit Plan
The MCTP maintained Route 86 similar to the existing route.
Click to view individual route changes through the full build out and how service replaces or complements changed or removed routes:
No Proposed Changes
No modifications would be made to Route 87.
Route Dependencies
This route would not need to be modified to be coordinated with other route changes.
Comparison to Marion County Transit Plan
The existing Route 87 would have been replaced by a new Route 89, which was coupled with changes to Route 10. The new Route 89 would have operated every 15 minutes on weekdays.
Click to view individual route changes through the full build out and how service replaces or complements changed or removed routes:
Alignment Change
Route 901 would be extended to serve existing Route 86 stops east of College Avenue and also provide a direct connection between the Red Line and Keystone at the Crossing, Castleton Square Mall and Community Hospital North. While Route 901 would continue to operate every 30 minutes as it does today, this is an improvement over the existing hourly service provided on Route 86. Route 901 would also replace service to Castleton Square Mall currently provided on Route 19.
Modifications to Route 901 are anticipated to happen in Phase 1 of the plan.
Route Dependencies
This change would need to happen at the same time Route 86 is retired and before Route 19 is modified.
Comparison to Marion County Transit Plan
The MCTP proposed that the Red Line would continue north of 91st Street and that service levels were to be determined later. Route 86 also would have been maintained.
Click to view individual route changes through the full build out and how service replaces or complements changed or removed routes:
No Proposed Changes
No modifications would be made to Route 902.
Route Dependencies
None
Comparison to Marion County Transit Plan
The MCTP proposed that high-frequency service on the Red Line would continue south to County Line Road (and eventually to Johnson County).
Click to view individual route changes through the full build out and how service replaces or complements changed or removed routes:
Track My Bus
Already have your trip planned? Use our new Track My Bus feature to follow your bus in real time.
Go
Translate This Page
