IndyGo considers adding mobile app, fare caps for riders
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — IndyGo is considering changes to how riders pay bus fares and how much riders pay over the course of a day or week.
The proposed changes were released Thursday. IndyGo has scheduled two informational meetings and other opportunities for public comment.
How much riders pay for fares
The proposed fare policy change would mean the cost of a ticket to ride an IndyGo bus would remain $1.75 (85 cents for those who qualify for half-fare rates), but that ticket could be used for two hours on any routes in any direction. Under the current fare system, the single trip fare only covers one ride on one route.
The proposal would also put a cap on the fees charged to a bus rider over the course of a day and over the course of a week. Once a rider spends $4 in fares in one day (the current cost of a 1-day pass), the rest of the day’s rides would be free. Once a rider spends $15.75 in one week (Monday to Sunday), the rest of that week would be free. To be eligible for fare caps, riders would have to register their accounts online.
“I think it will benefit me by basically me saving some travel time and some money,” said Jim Murrell, who was in line to take an IndyGo bus Thursday night.
The Summer Youth Pass ($30 for unlimited rides June 1-Aug. 31) and the Veterans Pass (unlimited free rides) would remain unchanged. The College S-Pass (half-price, 31-day pass), which colleges and universities buy and then sell to students, may continue to be available, according to the proposal.
How riders pay for fares
The proposal would add options to let riders use a phone app, soft card or hard card to tap and pay for rides on buses and rapid transit. Currently, fares can be paid on-board in cash or with a purchased pass that covers a certain number of days or rides.
“I think that they’re making it positive and they’re making it more accessible for people,” said Karen Gardner, who rides the bus a couple times a week.
Riders would be able to purchase reloadable cards for a fee reimbursed as fare credit. Cards would be reloadable online, on the app, at the transit center and at ticket vending machines at rapid transit stations. If riders register their accounts online, they would be eligible to get a $1 credit when they add $20 or more to their accounts.
Cash would still be accepted on buses for two-hour tickets and 1-day passes.
IndyGo would stop selling 10-trip, 7-day and 31-day passes, which can now be bought online or at the transit center.
How to give feedback on the proposal
People can give feedback on the proposal until Feb. 22:
- by phone at 317-635-3344
- in person at the Transit Center, 201 E. Washington St.
- online through IndyGo’s website
- or through an online survey here
Public comment will also be accepted at three meetings:
- Feb. 6: Two informational meetings, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4-6 p.m., in Knall Meeting Room at Indianapolis Central Library, 40 E. St. Clair St.
- Feb. 28: Final public hearing, 5 p.m., in the IndyGo Board Room at IndyGo offices, 1501 W. Washington St.
According to IndyGo’s website, people who need special accommodations to participate in a meeting can email brevans@indygo.net or call 317-559-4184. The Central Library is accessible from all IndyGo downtown routes, and Route 8 stops at the IndyGo offices.