IndyGo Receives $51M from ARPA Funding
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IndyGo has been awarded $51 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to assist with lost revenue from the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization says the grant will allow it to maintain its service, personnel, and cleaning and sanitation processes to protect against the spread of pathogens on its buses, while reducing funding gaps until revenue returns to pre-pandemic levels.
IndyGo is the only agency in Indiana to receive the funding.
“These last couple years have been a challenge, to say the least,” IndyGo President Inez Evans said in written remarks. “But our team has overcome each and every obstacle, and we’ve seen great things start to happen in our city pertaining to transit and mobility. Together, we have secured the largest competitive federal grant award that IndyGo has ever received for operating assistance, which will help the agency continue to provide essential transportation service to the residents of Indianapolis.”
IndyGo says it is working to expand its all-electric fleet Bus Rapid Transit system. Last month, IndyGo broke ground on its $187 million Purple Line, which will connect downtown Indianapolis and Lawrence through east side neighborhoods.
The transportation provider is also working on infrastructure improvements, renovating new facilities, and increasing walkability and connectivity.
The Biden Administration announced earlier this week it is awarding $2.2 billion in coronavirus relief to 35 transit agencies in 18 states. The funding will help provide essential services for frontline workers and keep employees on the payroll.
Previous stimulus funds have allowed IndyGo to maintain its operations despite declines in ridership.