Indianapolis Public Transportation Corporation (IndyGo) proposed raising fixed-route fares from $1.75 to $2.75 per trip, marking the first increase in over a decade.
The change, proposed for January 2026, aims to address inflation-driven operational costs and sustain service reliability. The board will vote on the increase on Aug. 21.
Since 2009, inflation has eroded the purchasing power of the $1.75 fare to just 67% of its original value. Operating expenses per vehicle hour have surged 58% since 2013, reaching $180 in 2023.
IndyGo cites rising fuel, labor and maintenance costs as primary drivers, warning that without increased revenue, service cuts or deferred upgrades could follow.
The agency emphasizes a one-time adjustment to minimize rider disruption.
While the base fare would rise, approximately 44% of IndyGo’s riders — predominantly low-income households earning under $35,000 annually — benefit from existing discounts. Half-fare programs remain for seniors (ages 65 and above), individuals with disabilities and youth (ages 18 or younger).
Veterans, children under 5, government employees and IndyGo Access clients also qualify for free or reduced fares.
The MyKey electronic fare system, which automatically caps daily fares at $4 and weekly fares at $15.75, is paramount to easing riders’ costs.
IndyGo will host 12 public meetings from June 3–26, including virtual sessions and in-person events across Marion County. Transit Ambassadors will engage riders on high-traffic routes.
At the same time, open houses at the Julia M. Carson Transit Center aim to educate the public. The decision will be finalized at a formal board hearing in June.
Critics may question the impact on low-income riders, though IndyGo stresses that discounted programs and MyKey’s structure mitigate burdens.
The agency reports 76% of its riders are employed, and 57% live in zero-car households, underscoring transit’s role in economic mobility.
The proposed IndyGo fare increase reflects broader challenges facing public transit systems nationwide as they balance fiscal sustainability with affordability.
This fare increase is crucial for IndyGo, as it is essential for maintaining current service levels and workforce stability. Riders can submit feedback online, by mail, or via phone until the board votes.
Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846. Follow him on X @3Noral. For more news, click here.
Noral Parham is the multi-media & senior sports reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder, one of the oldest Black publications in the country. Parham has worked with various leagues to provide a diverse perspective in sports, including the Big Ten, Big East, IHSAA, IndyCar, MLB, NHRA, NFL, NBA, WNBA, WWE and the Olympics. Prior to joining the Recorder, Parham served as the community advocate of the MLK Center in Indianapolis and senior copywriter for an e-commerce and marketing firm in Denver.
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