DOT funds to aid Indiana rapid transit project

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The Indianapolis Public Transportation Corporation’s Purple Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project has been allotted an $81 million grant award via the Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA).

“The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to advancing equity and reducing greenhouse gas emissions through robust investment in our nation’s public transportation systems,” Deputy Transportation Secretary Polly Trottenberg said. “This BRT project will expand transit options in and around Indianapolis and improve access and mobility in the areas where people need it most.”

The scope of work includes 9.9 miles of new, exclusive bus lanes, 18 new stations, the purchase of 15 60-foot electric buses, and installation of transit signal priority at 30 signalized intersections along the route.

Once completed, officials noted the project would yield operation along a corridor between downtown Indianapolis northeast and downtown Lawrence — replacing and improving a sizable portion the existing Route 39 local bus service. The total project cost is $162 million.

The construction project will create approximately 1,850 jobs and revenue service is scheduled to begin in July 2024.