$150 Million CIG to Support Construction of IndyGo Blue Line BRT

IndyGo, Indianapolis, IN, has received a $150 million Small Starts Capital Investment Grant (CIG) from FTA for construction of its upcoming Blue Line BRT route.

“This is the third and final planned BRT route, which, collectively with the Red and Purple lines, will serve as the backbone for our entire transit system,” said IndyGo President and CEO Jennifer Pyrz. “Receiving these funds from the federal government for the Blue Line is proof that transit is essential in Indianapolis and worthy of high-level investment. We’re grateful to the FTA for putting their trust in us to deliver on this critical project and look forward to the positive impact this investment will have on the Central Indiana economy.”

The grant contribution represents nearly 40 percent of the Blue Line’s estimated project budget. The remaining project costs are being covered by a combination of local funding from the transit income tax authorized by the City-County Council and Indianapolis Mayor, as well as the Indianapolis Department of Public Works, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization, Citizens Energy Group, and other federal sources, including $1 million in Community Project Funding secured by Rep. André Carson and nearly $22 million from the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program.

“FTA is proud to support IndyGo with this grant. We have seen the way the Red and Purple Lines are improving people’s lives,” said FTA Regional Administrator Kelley Brookins. “I’m pleased to celebrate this grant for the new Blue Line, taking the next step in improving the way public transportation is delivered in Indianapolis.”

The Blue Line will run 24 miles and connect Indianapolis International Airport to the town of Cumberland, via downtown Indianapolis, along I-70, Holt Road, and Washington Street. Beyond transit, much of the significant infrastructure improvements will go toward constructing critical safety improvements along the Washington Street corridor, including new traffic signals, new or upgraded sidewalks and pedestrian crossings, as well as new or upgraded curb ramps to meet ADA standards.

Construction is expected to begin in early 2025, with the route set to open for service in late 2028.