$26 million will be issued in 2018 with the proceeds used to fund design work on both the Purple Line Rapid Transit and the Blue Line Rapid Transit projects, as well as local bus and paratransit infrastructure improvements and bus fleet replacement. IndyGo (Indianapolis Public Transportation Corporation) received approval from Marion County voters and the City-County Council for a 0.25% Transit Local Income Tax (LIT) to help fund the Marion County Transit Plan which includes rapid bus transit, increased route frequency, and transitioning to electric buses. These bonds are secured by Transit LIT revenues. The projects included in this issuance are a part of the larger Marion County Transit Plan which will commit $522 million over the next five years to improving and expanding public transportation in Marion County.
2018 Transit LIT Bond Project List:
- Purple Line Rapid Transit – is a bus rapid transit (BRT) project that extends north from downtown Indianapolis, connecting to the City of Lawrence. This service will include both transit improvements, including enhance stations, new vehicles, and partial dedicated lanes, plus major improvements to infrastructure, including pavement reconstruction, new sidewalks, and new drainage infrastructure.
- Blue Line Rapid Transit – is a BRT project that extends east-west from the Town of Cumberland to the Indianapolis International Airport. This service will include both transit improvements, including enhance stations, new vehicles, and partial dedicated lanes, plus major improvements to infrastructure, including pavement reconstruction, new sidewalks, and new drainage infrastructure.
- Local Bus and Paratransit Infrastructure – would install necessary physical improvements to accommodate improved frequency and transfer opportunities for local bus routes and paratransit services. This work would include the construction of bus stops, sidewalks , and curb ramps; installation of new shelters, benches, and signs in select locations along upgraded bus routes; and facility construction to support the operation.
- IndyGo Bus replacement – the bust replacement project includes the purchase of 16 new buses in 2018 to replace existing buses which are beyond their useful life resulting in increased maintenance costs and decreased customer satisfaction
