INDIANAPOLIS — The community and the city are celebrating a successful launch of Indy Go's Purple Line.
A purple parade and ribbon cutting was coupled with cheers. The new line features electric vehicles, a bus-only center lane, plus new bike and walking paths. IndyGo says the goal is to reduce traffic accidents and travel time.
City leaders and IndyGo planners say the $187 million investment is worth it.
"It's such a great investment for the entire community and the people," said Pastor Kenneth Sullivan of New Direction Church, which is located near the new Purple Line route.
This route now connects downtown Indianapolis to the city of Lawrence.
"We've had accidents around our corridor and people have actually lost their lives. So, to see things made better, it shows care on the part of the city for our community," said Sullivan.
It improves upon safety while also improving the quality of life for many people who need to travel back and forth along the new route.
"This opens up a whole new world for them to be able to get employment, to be able to get resources, to get opportunities that before they couldn't get access to," said Sullivan.
Extending more than 15 miles between Indianapolis and the city of Lawrence, the Purple Line runs through several neighborhoods and past major employers, focusing on frequency and reliability.
"We have parks worth the trip, and restaurants worth the trip, and so on — that Purple Line is worth the trip," said Lawrence Mayor Deb Whitfield.