Purple is associated with many values, such as royalty, dignity and pride. Those values were evident in one of the city’s newest projects: the Purple Line.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Oct. 18, unveiling the newest addition to the city’s transit system.
Purple Line, a rapid transit route that stretches 15.2 miles between Indianapolis and Lawrence is finally complete and open to the public. This major addition to the city’s transportation infrastructure is set to provide fast, frequent and reliable bus service for thousands of residents, connecting neighborhoods, businesses and essential services across the region.
President and CEO of IndyGo Jennifer Pyrz provided insight and analytics surrounding the newest route.
“Running its 15-mile route, it connects downtown Indianapolis to the historic city of Lawrence,” Pyrz said. “With 31 stations, IndyGo riders are experiencing increased mobility like never before. Faster, safer and more reliable.”
Pyrz said that the Purple Line runs within walking distance of 60,000 people and 130,000 jobs.
“We are connecting people to work, health care, education and all of life’s essentials,” Pyrz said.
During the two years of construction surrounding the Purple Line, the city upgraded sidewalks, improved drainage and water filtration along the route.
Deputy director of the Federal Transportation Administration Veronica Vanterpool attended the ceremony, highlighting the necessity of such a project in a growing metropolitan area.
“Thanks to the bipartisan infrastructure law, President Biden and Vice President Harris, we have had the largest investment in public transportation ever,” Vanterpool said.
Vanterpool said that $108 billion went into 11,200 transit projects across the nation, with one of those projects being the Purple Line.
Sen. La Keshia Jackson (D-IN) provided insight, not just as an official, but someone very familiar with the community along the Purple Line.
“As a long-time resident of the far eastside, I have witnessed first-hand the transformation of my community as a result of the Purple Line has been nothing short of amazing,” Jackson said.
The new service is part of a broader expansion of Indianapolis’ transit system, providing more options for residents who rely on public transportation for their daily commutes. IndyGo plans for the Purple Line to operate with high-frequency service, ensuring that buses run every 15-20 minutes, allowing riders to access their destinations without long waits conveniently.
“The Purple Line isn’t just going to impact Indianapolis,” Vanterpool said. “It is an investment in our shared future.”
After proclaiming October 17, 2024 as “Purple Line Day,” Jackson spoke about the future of the Blue Line, the next big project for IndyGo.
“The Blue Line is not here [yet], and it has already garnered $499 million [in funding],” Jackson said.
Next stop: the Blue Line.
Contact multi-media & senior sports reporter Noral Parham III at 317-762-7846 or via email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on X @3Noral.For more news, click here.
