IndyGo and partners launch new micro-transit pilot for Indianapolis’s Far Eastside

Credit: IndyGo

In March 2022, Indianapolis Public Transportation Corporation (IndyGo) officials joined Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett, City-County Councillor La Keisha Jackson and the United Way of Central Indiana (UWCI) to announce the launch of the ‘Driven 2 Success’ programme, a major new initiative targeting the transportation needs of residents on Indianapolis’s Far Eastside.

In collaboration with IndyGo, Pathway Resource Center is leading the initiative, with significant grant support from UWCI’s Social Innovation Fund, which will be used to underwrite rider fares.

Under the project plan, Far Eastside residents will be able to schedule on-demand round trips to access job training, supportive services, childcare, health and food access, and substance abuse treatment, as well as counselling, behavioural health services and employment. In order to put the plan into action, IndyGo is providing compact buses that will be driven by fully trained operators. However, trips will generally be limited to a five-mile radius from the Pathway Resource Center.

“Opportunity – for health, housing, employment, you name it – isn’t a true opportunity if you can’t get to it,” said Councillor Jackson, who also directs Pathway. “For so many people in this community, lack of reliable transportation has meant lack of access to opportunities to build a better life. We’re stepping into that gap.”

Inez Evans, IndyGo’s President and CEO, said: “IndyGo recognises the tremendous importance of filling in the gaps in transportation, by providing more options for the city’s most vulnerable population. We’re excited to partner with Pathway Resource Center, the United Way of Central Indiana and Councillor Jackson to launch Driven 2 Success. We know this service will reduce barriers to mobility, connect users to existing transit services and build a bridge to work, medical appointments, school, training and grocery shopping for residents living on the city’s Far Eastside.”

Although IndyGo’s Purple Line, which had its ground breaking at the beginning of March 2022, is expected to eventually help to address the transportation needs for Eastside residents, officials have acknowledged that help is needed now.

IndyGo hosts ground breaking event for construction of new BRT line

“For just $2, Far Eastside residents will now have the option to book a personalised, on-demand ride to any essential destination; including trips for food, healthcare, education or employment,” said Mayor Hogsett. “Driven 2 Success will help to meet gaps in current transit coverage, while keeping costs and empty seats to a minimum.”

Jonathan Jones, UWCI’s Senior Director of Social Innovation, said: “United Way of Central Indiana is thrilled to have the opportunity to invest in access to transportation for a very important part of our community. A major goal of the Social Innovation Fund is to invest in our neighbours by ensuring access to all they need to thrive now and in the future. This micro-transit model will help make that possible.”