INDIANAPOLIS — IndyGo's highly anticipated Purple Line—connecting downtown Indianapolis to the City of Lawrence—will be up and running Sunday, Oct. 13.
It's the second rapid bus transit line expected to serve thousands of riders.
The route starts at the Julia M. Carson Transit Center downtown and travels to the Park Avenue station on 38th Street. Along 38th Street, the Red and Purple lines will alternate, giving riders a shorter wait time. From 38th and Post, the Purple Line continues to Lawrence to Fort Ben.
IndyGo says the project costs $188 million, with half of that going toward infrastructure like new traffic signals, sidewalks and more.
"So the goal is to be able to provide faster, more efficient, more reliable transportation for folks in these most densely populated areas, trying to reach the people who need it most," said Carrie Black, chief public affairs officer for IndyGo.
Riders can also use what's called the MyKey app on their smartphones to buy tickets before boarding. Riders can also use a credit or debit card or cash at vending machines on platforms to get a ticket. Next, you'll have to validate your fare at the station platform. Then, just scan the QR code on your MyKey app or tap your card on the fare validator machine.
"We have real time screens. Gone are the days of a bus schedule when you ride BRT and having to check the schedule to see what time the bus is going to come because on BRT, the bus comes on what's called a headway, so it comes at regular intervals," Black said.
Drivers will have to watch for lane changes. Two lanes have now been reduced to one.
For more information on routes, how to pay and more, click here.