Indigo Transit Board Proposes Fare Increase to $2.75 Starting January 2026

The Indianapolis City Council meeting on August 21, 2025, focused on significant changes to the fare structure of the Indianapolis Public Transportation Corporation (IndyGo). The proposed adjustments include an increase in the base fare from $1.75 to $2.75, effective January 1, 2026. This decision follows a year-long review of the current fare policy, which has remained unchanged for over 15 years, and extensive public outreach efforts.

IndyGo officials explained that the fare increase is necessary due to inflation and rising operating costs, which have significantly diminished the purchasing power of the existing fare. The current fare of $1.75 is now worth only 67% of its value from 2009, necessitating the proposed adjustment to maintain service quality and financial sustainability.

The meeting highlighted the impact of the fare increase on various rider demographics. While some riders benefit from reduced fares or fare-free rides, the average fare collected is currently only 80 cents, indicating that many riders do not pay the full fare. The proposed changes also include adjustments to the fares for ADA services, with the ADA area fare increasing from $3.50 to $5.50.

Ryan Wilhite, manager of special projects, presented a federally mandated fare equity analysis, which assessed the potential impact of the fare changes on minority and low-income populations. The analysis found no significant adverse effects for most fare types, although a potential disproportionate burden was identified for low-income riders using the reduced 31-day pass. To address this, IndyGo plans to engage in further public outreach and consider alternatives to mitigate any negative impacts.

Carrie Black, chief public affairs officer, detailed the extensive outreach campaign conducted to inform the community about the proposed fare changes. This included over 25 outreach events, direct engagement with stakeholders, and the distribution of informational materials in both English and Spanish. The campaign successfully engaged more than 21,000 riders and stakeholders, ensuring that community feedback was collected and considered.

Overall, the proposed fare increase and accompanying changes aim to enhance the financial viability of IndyGo while ensuring equitable access to public transportation for all riders. The council's discussions emphasized the importance of balancing operational needs with the affordability of transit services for the community.