Indigo to start public outreach on proposed fare increases including higher paratransit and new caps

Indigo staff announced a months‑long public outreach campaign in May 2025 on proposed fare changes that would raise fixed‑route and paratransit fares, update fare caps and expand outreach and equity analysis. The board received the information and did not vote.

Chief Development Officer Brooke Thomas said the agency is proposing an effective date of Jan. 1, 2026, if the changes move forward after public outreach and review. The staff presentation proposed moving the base two‑hour unlimited fixed‑route fare from $1.75 to $2.75; 1‑day fares would rise from $4 to $6; weekly fares from $15.75 to $24.75. For Indigo Access (paratransit), the ADA area trip price would move from $3.50 to $5.50; premium area advanced reservations would move from $7 to $11; same‑day premium area trips would move from $10 to $15.

Thomas said the last base fare increase was more than 15 years ago and that inflation and rising costs for operations and materials are the drivers for the proposed changes. Staff provided a draft fare policy and a draft fare equity analysis to the board as starting points for outreach.

Carrie Black, chief public affairs officer, described a multi‑pronged outreach plan that includes briefings with elected officials and partners, a virtual public meeting and roughly 14 in‑person community meetings in June, targeted outreach to limited‑English‑proficiency riders and paratransit partners, on‑site rider surveys at transit centers and onboard, a public web page with FAQs and feedback forms, and internal briefings for employees and unions.

Staff said June will include a public hearing and that they expect to conclude formal outreach in July, present proposed final documents in August, and, if the board approves, conduct further public notification in September–December ahead of a Jan. 1, 2026 effective date. No rates were adopted on May 15; staff requested permission to begin outreach.