• Subscribe
  • Magazine
  • 40 Under 40
  • Supplier's Directory
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
    1. Alt. Mobility
    2. Shared Mobility
    3. Car Sharing

    IndyGo and Via launch new, affordable on-demand, shared transit service pilot to bridge transit access gaps

    May 11, 2022
    The IndyGo Connect pilot project will use on-demand software to expand access to equitable, efficient transportation in Southeastern Indianapolis.
    Related To: Indianapolis Public Transportation Corporation (IndyGo)
    IndyGo
    Indygo 627bb9178c377

    IndyGo will launch IndyGo Connect, a new on-demand transit service pilot project that will expand access to equitable, convenient mobility in Southeast Indianapolis.

    For $1.75 per trip or less, riders can book a shared ride on demand through a smart phone app or by calling a phone number — offering the flexibility of a private car with the affordability and sustainability of public transit.

    IndyGo Connect, which launches May 11, uses software to make it more convenient for residents, workers and visitors in the city’s southeast region to connect with the city’s existing public transit system and travel directly to essential and leisure destinations. Popular points of interest within the service zone include the University of Indianapolis, Fountain Square Red Line stations, the Community Justice Center, grocery stores, healthcare facilities, shopping areas and more.

    “IndyGo is excited to add this service to its growing list of initiatives geared toward helping Indianapolis’ most vulnerable population,” said IndyGo President and CEO Inez Evans. “With the launch of this new, microtransit program, IndyGo continues to fill the existing transportation gaps and show how it prioritizes the needs of all Indianapolis residents.”

    IndyGo Connect is powered by Via. Via’s algorithms create quick and efficient trips by matching multiple passengers heading in the same direction together into a single vehicle in real time, directing riders to a nearby “virtual bus stop” for pick up and drop off. The service includes wheelchair-accessible vehicles for those who request them.

    “Via is thrilled to partner with IndyGo to launch IndyGo Connect, which will bring equitable public mobility to Southeastern Indianapolis,” said Dillon Twombly, chief revenue officer, Via. “Via and IndyGo both believe that access to opportunity should not depend on private car ownership, which is why we designed an affordable on-demand service for all riders that extends the reach of the city’s existing transit system.”

    How to ride

    Follow these steps to get on board.

    • Create an account. Download the IndyGo Connect app from the App Store or Google Play Store and follow the signup steps.
    • Book a Ride. Enter pickup and drop-off addresses. If ready to go right away, tap “Book This Ride.” If wanting to schedule a ride in advance, hit the “Schedule” button and choose the day/time you want to travel. Riders can also book rides by calling.
    • Meet the Driver. IndyGo will assign a virtual bus stop — a pickup spot nearby that helps avoid detours. Check the app to find out exactly where it is. It may be a short walk from the address given. Meet the driver. Riders receive an ETA for the driver and can follow along in real-time in the app, so they know when to meet the vehicle outside.

    Service details

    • Hours of operation
      • Monday-Saturday: 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
      • Sunday: 7:00 a.m.- 9:00 p.m.
    • Fare information
      • $1.75 per trip
      • 85 cents per trip for those over 65 and under 18 (with a K-12 or IndyGo Half Fare ID)

    Community Transit
    Community Transit’s board of directors has approved the proposed 2025 budget that will add more bus trips and Zip Shuttle service while reducing fares for eligible groups.