IndyGo Extends Signing Bonus Incentive and Increases Starting Pay for Bus Drivers and Mechanics

INDIANAPOLIS — IndyGo kicked off the new year with exciting announcements for new bus drivers and mechanics hired in 2024. The agency recently announced the extension of its $3,000 signing bonus incentive for new hires applying to become a coach operator or mechanic, which began July 1, 2023.  

To sweeten the deal, the IndyGo Board of Directors recently approved pay increases for these essential positions, effective Jan. 1, 2024. This increase was a result of a new collective bargaining agreement negotiated between IndyGo and Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1070 leadership. Current compensation is as follows: 

• Coach operators (after training): $23+/hour starting pay (nearly $47,800 annually). 
• Mechanics: $29+/hour starting pay (nearly $62,400 annually). 

The amounts listed above do not include significant overtime potential that’s often available to operators and mechanics. (Some restrictions may apply.) 

Last July, IndyGo implemented its signing bonus incentive in direct response to the ongoing driver shortage, as the agency aimed to right size its workforce. From the incentive’s launch in July 2023, until Dec. 31, 2023, the agency received 1,147 coach operator and mechanic applications. These applications resulted in at least 176 candidates being hired. This represented a nearly 180% increase in applicants and a nearly 185% increase in new hires for that timeframe in the previous year.  

The agency hopes to continue this positive hiring trend in 2024.  

Other benefits available to drivers and mechanics include: 

• Medical, dental and vision insurance. 
• Free onsite wellness clinic for employees and their families.  
• IndyGo’s esteemed Mentorship and Apprenticeship Program to provide support for new hires in their first year. 
• Career advancement and continued educational opportunities. 
• Retirement plans. 
• Local work and no overnight travel. 
• Free IndyGo transportation for employees and their families. 
• Federal Loan Forgiveness Program. 
• Tuition Reimbursement. 

Those interested in applying to become a coach operator or mechanic can complete the process online at indygo.net/employment. 

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