INDIANAPOLIS, IN — The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announces a construction grant award of $81 million to the Indianapolis Public Transportation Corporation (IndyGo) for the Purple Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project in Central Indiana. The 15.2-mile BRT line will provide frequent, reliable, public transportation in one of the most densely populated, low-income, and zero-car households in Central Indiana.

"The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to advancing equity and reducing greenhouse gas emissions through robust investment in our nation’s public transportation systems," said U.S. Deputy Transportation Secretary Polly Trottenberg. "This BRT project will expand transit options in and around Indianapolis and improve access and mobility in the areas where people need it most."

The Purple Line project will operate along a corridor between downtown Indianapolis northeast and downtown Lawrence and replace and improve much of the existing Route 39 local bus service. The total project cost is $162 million, with $81 million in funding provided through FTA's Capital Investment Grants Program.

The project includes 9.9 miles of new, exclusive bus lanes, 18 new stations, and the purchase of 15 60-foot electric buses and installation of transit signal priority at 30 signalized intersections along the route. The service plan includes operation along a 5.3-mile portion of the existing Red Line BRT alignment, with shared use of 13 existing stations.

IndyGo estimates that construction of the project will create approximately 1,850 jobs. Revenue service is scheduled to begin in July 2024.