INDIANAPOLIS — When Rachel Moss began working in the public transit industry a few years ago, it didn't take long to see the impact on people's lives.
"I've been lucky enough to have a personal vehicle my whole life," Moss said. "But when I think about 'what happens if my car breaks down? What would I do?' That's the place that a lot of people live who don't have a personal vehicle."
As director of programs and operations at the IndyGo Foundation, she says she's grateful to be able to help provide access to people who otherwise wouldn't have it.
Moss oversees the IndyGo Bus Fare Grant Program, which awards up to $4,000 in transportation funding every year to each nonprofit organization that is selected.
Now in it's third year, the program has awarded free bus fare to more than 150 nonprofits, including the Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention.
"A lot of people experiencing homelessness rely almost solely on public transportation to get connected to other resources, doctor visits, to connect with the BMV or other service providers," CHIP Executive Director Chelsea Haring-Cozzi said. "And so having access to public transportation is a lifeline. Having bus passes available helps reduce that barrier and really connects resources to folks in a much more effective way."
Applications are now open until Monday, Sept. 30. Grants are expected to be announced in early 2025, culminating in a celebratory event on Transit Equity Day, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025.
Last year, the Foundation's Bus Fare Grant Program awarded $339,030 to 100 local nonprofits to increase public transportation accessibility for Marion County residents. Since the program's inception in 2021, awareness has rapidly grown, and the number of applicants has more than doubled.
"These grants are a tool for equity, ensuring the most vulnerable individuals in our community have access to affordable transportation," IndyGo Foundation Executive Director Emily Meaux said.
The IndyGo Foundation also offers nonprofit organizations a 50% discount on purchasing full-fare bus passes.
Donations can be made to support these programs online. To learn more, register for an information session or apply for Bus Fare Grants or discounts, click here.