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IndyGo, IMPD team up for Fourth of July

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – As Indianapolis prepares for its Fourth of July celebration, IndyGo and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department are preparing as well.

One of the city’s biggest events is Saturday’s Regions Bank Freedom Blast Independence Fireworks Show.

Last year, IndyGo staged nearly two dozen buses at Ohio Street and Capitol Avenue so those who watched the late night fireworks didn’t have to walk far to catch a bus. They not only made things easier for bus riders, but it seems to have had a bigger impact on the community.

According to numbers released by IMPD’s downtown district, in 2013 officers had 176 runs, on the holiday.

Those runs resulted in 54 miscellaneous crime reports and 11 property crime reports. On the holiday in 2014, the same year the IndyGo program started, officers had 116 runs, which resulted in 25 miscellaneous crimes and five property crimes.

Because of it’s success, IMPD and IndyGo have decided to bring the Fourth of July program back for a second year.

Bryan Luellen, director of marketing for IndyGo, explained, “We’re running a Sunday schedule with additional departures at 11:00 p.m. after the Freedom Blast. So every route that runs on a Sunday schedule, for Saturday the Fourth of July is going to depart later at 11:00 p.m.”

IMPD’s Downtown District Commander Karen Arnett said, “It has reduced the amount of officers that we have to dedicate to monitoring teens as they’re moving around the downtown area after the event is over.”

Although the buses will be closer, parents are encouraged to attend Fourth of July events with their children.

IndyGo said those who ride the bus after the fireworks show can expect to pay the normal $1.75 rate. Students may purchase a summer youth pass for $30 with a valid student ID.

For more information call 317-635-3344 or click here.