The IndyGo Board has approved several measures that will help ensure the agency is positioned to sustain growth and increase service for years to come.
Among those included are the evaluation of new property and continued collaboration with Purple Line development, and the procurement of 27 hybrid buses.
With electric and hybrid buses, and 4,300 solar panels, IndyGo says it continues to be committed to operating a clean fleet and reducing emissions as it works to improve service across the county. The addition of hybrid buses are expected to reduce emissions by 75 percent per bus, increasing the range on the buses by more than double the miles, and saving the organization millions throughout the increased life of the bus, according to IndyGo.
Some benefits to hybrid buses include:
- Approximately 480-mile range.
- A $20-million estimated cost savings from an entirely electric fleet.
- Diversifying the fleet allows for more flexibility in infrastructure improvements, hiring and training and facility needs.
IndyGo still plans to use all electric buses on the current and future BRT (bus rapid transit) lines. This procurement approval will allow for the purchase of 27, 40-foot new hybrid buses from Gillig.
The board approved a resolution that approves further evaluation to purchase of property that looks to serve the organization in many ways as it adapts to growth and social distancing practices. This property could also provide permanent locations for end-of-line charging that could be leveraged as future mobility hubs for the surrounding community.
“One of the things that drew me to Indianapolis and specifically IndyGo was their boards commitment to innovation and better service,” said Inez Evans, president and CEO of IndyGo. “We are living during unprecedented times that require leadership to make fiscally responsible and forward-thinking decisions to continue to capitalize on IndyGo’s momentum and provide a service we can all rely on and these steps will position us to do just that.”
The Purple Line Project continues to move along, and the board approved next steps in the Small Grants Funding application process. As with the Red Line, IndyGo will collaborate with the Department of Public Works and Citizens Energy Group to coordinate the storm water management infrastructure. Visit our website to learn more about the infrastructure improvement plans for the 38th street corridor.
