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Indy transit agency launches safety campaign, bus-riding outreach and hires for new rapid-transit line
Summary
Indigo (Indy's transit agency) briefed the HOPE Team on a "see something, say something" safety portal, a 'Bus Line & Dine' travel-training program, nonprofit bus-pass grant opportunities, free rides for veterans, and hiring incentives tied to an upcoming Blue Line construction closure.
Jordan Patterson, Indigo outreach staff, told the meeting that Indigo has launched a rider safety portal and a travel-training program aimed at increasing bus ridership.
"We have launched a new campaign. It is our see something, say something campaign," Patterson said, directing riders with safety concerns to indigo.net/safety where users can report incidents and learn which concerns should prompt a 911 call.
Patterson described a new initiative, Bus Line & Dine, which pairs travel training with visits to local restaurants so residents can learn how to ride buses while supporting neighborhood businesses. He said the program is intended both to teach residents who are unfamiliar with transit and to boost foot traffic for local eateries.
On fares and access, Indigo staff said the Indigo Foundation runs two main programs for nonprofits: a bus-pass grant that awards free passes (application currently closed) and a rolling "half-off" pass program that nonprofit applicants can request. Patterson also confirmed that veterans receive Indigo service at no charge and described the process for obtaining a personalized MyKey card for veteran riders.
Regarding operations and jobs, Patterson said Indigo broke ground on its third bus rapid transit (BRT) line (the Blue Line) and anticipates the first major construction closure in June. He said Indigo is hiring coach operators and mechanics, offering a $3,000 signing bonus for coach operators and paying trainees during CDL training. He also noted a continuing "second-chance" hiring emphasis for formerly justice-involved applicants.
Other Indigo updates shared at the meeting included an expanded wellness-in-transit program with a mobile clinic at the Julian Carson Transit Center, transit ambassador volunteer growth and an Indigo 50th-anniversary merchandise launch.
The Indigo staff member encouraged nonprofits to monitor indigo.net/foundation for bus-pass grant openings and suggested agencies apply for the half-off passes while the grant application is closed.
