IndyGo’s Purple Line in Indianapolis, IN

A rendering of a bus stop on the Purple Line

A rendering of Sherman Station with bus only lane. | Rendering via IndyGo

Table of Contents

The Purple Line — a bus rapid transit (BRT) line similar to the Red Line — is speeding into development to connect Indy to Lawrence. We’re taking you on the fast lane of what to expect, its background + how the line will impact its surrounding community.

A map of the bus stops

The Purple Line route, starting at the downtown transit center. | Map via IndyGo

By the numbers

  • The line will be 15.2 miles long.
  • There will be 18 Purple Line-exclusive stations.
  • It will share 13 stations with the Red Line.
  • There will be nearly 10 miles of sidewalks + 488 accessible curb ramps.
  • 26 miles of road will be paved.
  • 58,000 residents will be connected to employment.
  • There will be 25 new or upgraded traffic signals.
  • Upwards of three miles of multi-use path will be added to the area.
  • Transit travel time is projected to reduce by 25%.
  • The project will cost an estimated $187.9 million.
A rendering of the bus stop with a multi-use path

The Purple Line broke ground officially on Fri., Feb. 25 | Gif via Giphy + INDYtoday team

In the rearview

As you may know, Indy used to have a number of streetcars — including the area of the soon-to-be Purple Line. The urban form of neighborhoods like Lawrence was influenced by this transportation, and the new BRT line will replicate the service to return the neighborhood back to its bustling days of the past.

If you want to learn more about the good ol’ days of Indianapolis streetcars, we’ll be following up on this topic in the future.

Join the ride

Before you’re able to swipe your IndyGo pass on this new line, there will be opportunities to participate in discussion + learn more about the project.

Pop-Up Drive-Thru | Tues., March 1 | 7-9 a.m. | Resurrection Community Church, 2502 E. 38th St. | Free | During this event, information will be shared directly with drivers passing through the future construction zone.

Office hours | Every Wednesday | 5-6 p.m. | Virtual | Free | You’ll be given an opportunity to ask questions, get updates + share your thoughts with a construction liaison.

The project is scheduled to be completed in 2024 + you can sign up for weekly construction updates.

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