IndyGo seeks first fare hike in 16 years

INDIANAPOLIS - IndyGo is proposing raising its base fare for a one-way trip by $1.




It's been 16 years since IndyGo raised prices.




At 4 p.m. on Thursday, the IndyGo Board began reviewing the fare proposal. If approved in August, the new fare would go into effect in January 2026.




During the work week, about 120 buses are on the move throughout Indianapolis. Thousands of people depend on the service to get to work, run errands or attend events.




The current fare is $1.75 per trip. If the $1 increase is approved, the base fare in 2026 will be $2.75 per trip.

IndyGo's President and CEO Jennifer Pyrz said without the fare increase the transit company cannot continue to operate at the same level.




Rafael Sánchez sat down with Pyrz to discuss what was on the table and whether it was fair and right to pursue this price increase now.




"We want to be cognizant. We know this is going to be hard for people. We know for people this will be painful," said Pyrz.




Pyrz adds that the company is also reviewing its expenses to make sure it is running a tight operation, especially with a fleet of 306 vehicles, 59 electric, 40 hybrid, 132 diesel and 75 are paratransit.




"I know everyone is having to put up with these price increases all over the place. We hate that we may be piling on. We hate that, but again, it's time to have the conversation. It's our responsibility after 16 years. We can't put it on the people coming behind us," added Pyrz.




The company will be stepping up its efforts to encourage people to use its MyKey system. It will allow people to "earn" free rides




IndyGo has not increased the bus riding price since 2009. Since then, the cost of everything from diesel fuel to salaries to maintenance has risen.




The company estimates the $1.75 started in 2009, when adjusted for inflation today, would be $2.61.




"We made an investment and the last thing we want to do is cut service. When you cut service, it becomes less useful for people," said Pyrz




IndyGo is federally required to provide a half fare to people 65 and older with a Medicare card, people 18 and younger, and people with a disability. Those services, along with free fares for veterans, will remain untouched.




In 2016, Marion County taxpayers approved a tax referendum to support IndyGo. From 2018 through 2024, IndyGo has received a total of $434,410,449. The funds are spent in three major areas: the operating budget, the capital budget and the debt service budget. The dollars from the referendum have funded the expansion of the rapid transit services known as the Blue, Red and Purple lines and other new routes. The referendum does not pay for the costs connected to current services and the people needed to keep it running.




"I believe the city of Indianapolis wants world-class transit. I think people really do understand that in order to be a world-class city, you need to provide world-class transportation options."




Over the next several months, IndyGo will host a number of community meetings to get public reaction and input.




Moving forward, the transit company will review its fare rates once every three years and will not wait another 16 years.





via: https://fox59.com/indiana-news/indygo-seeks-first-fare-hike-in-16-years/