IndyGo Receives $51M from American Rescue Plan Federal Funding

Funds to provide operational support amid coronavirus challenges 

INDIANAPOLIS – IndyGo was recently awarded $51 million in American Rescue Plan funds to assist with revenue lost as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Biden Administration announced the funding Monday, March 7, when it shared it was awarding $2.2 billion in coronavirus relief to 35 transit agencies in 18 states to help provide essential services for frontline workers and keep employees on the payroll. With IndyGo being one of only a handful of agencies to receive this funding, and the only agency in Indiana, the federal government recognizes the value and critical work happening here. That work includes expanding one of the nation’s largest all-electric fleet Bus Rapid Transit system, providing significant infrastructure improvements, renovating new facilities, increasing walkability, connectivity and much more.  

The grant will allow IndyGo to maintain its service, personnel, and cleaning and sanitation processes that combat the spread of pathogens on transit systems, while reducing potential impacts from funding gaps until revenue returns to pre-pandemic levels. Operating costs include the funds necessary to run, maintain and manage a public transportation system, such as driver salaries, fuel, personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies. 

“These last couple years have been a challenge, to say the least,” IndyGo President and CEO Inez Evans said. “But our team has overcome each and every obstacle, and we’ve seen great things start to happen in our city pertaining to transit and mobility. Together, we have secured the largest competitive federal grant award that IndyGo has ever received for operating assistance, which will help the agency continue to provide essential transportation service to the residents of Indianapolis.” 

Previous stimulus funds have allowed IndyGo to maintain its operations despite issues related to COVID-19, including decline in ridership, property tax revenues, local transit income tax revenues and other non-federal revenue sources. The funds also supported, and will continue to support, system-wide prevention, preparation and response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“IndyGo is grateful to the U.S. Dept. of Transportation, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Congressman André Carson for their continued support of IndyGo and recognizing the critical role we play in serving the community of Indianapolis,” said Evans.

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