INDIANAPOLIS — IndyGo recently announced upcoming bus stop balancing efforts throughout the entire IndyGo systems. The network changes were originally slated to move forward in June 2020, but were pushed back due to COVID-19 disruptions.
Bus stop balancing looks at the space existing between existing bus stops and removing stops that are too close together according to IndyGo’s Service Standards. The goal is to increase bus efficiency by decreasing the amount of time a bus spends slowed or stopped at a bus stop.
IndyGo has followed the recommendation that, on average, bus stops on frequent routes should be placed about a quarter mile apart, and stops along less frequent routes should be placed between four and six times per mile. As a part of the bus stop balancing, stops may be completely removed or moved to a new location, and other stops may be added.
There were many factors considered by IndyGo staff when making the decisions to remove or add stops, including pedestrian infrastructure and accessibility, chances to transfer to other routes, and land use and zoning. Average daily ridership was also a major factor in the decision-making process. Over 60% of impacted stops had fewer than two boardings per day, on average.
Stickers will be placed on affected bus stops. Stop removals, as well as the installation of new stops, will begin on or after September 14. After a bus stop has been stickered, bus drivers will continue to pick up and drop off passengers until the sign has been physically removed. While crews are in the process of removing stops, stop locations may not be accurately reflected in rider tools such as the MyStop app. Approximately 625 stops will be eliminated, consolidated, or moved to better locations. There are no route changes or service removals included in the upcoming changes.
On the east side, several stops along East 10th, Michigan St., New York St., English Ave., and East Washington will be consolidated so that stops will be every three blocks rather than every block. Several stops will be consolidated along Arlington Ave. north of Washington St. In Beech Grove, a few stops will be eliminated along Main St.
IndyGo’s ridership has grown over the past few years. In 2019, the system handled over 9.2 million rides to residents and visitors in Indianapolis. They have more than 900 employees.
For a comprehensive list of stop removals, moves, and new stops, visit indygo.net/stopchanges
