INDIANAPOLIS — IndyGo's Purple Line bus rapid transit project is advancing through its construction phase on the city's east side, with transit officials projecting service launch by the fourth quarter of 2026, connecting Lawrence to downtown Indianapolis along Washington Street.

The Purple Line, the third in IndyGo's planned BRT network following the Red and Blue Lines, will run 15.7 miles with 23 stations featuring the enclosed shelters, real-time arrival screens, and level boarding that characterize the existing Red Line on College Avenue.

"The Purple Line will transform mobility for tens of thousands of east-side residents," said IndyGo CEO Inez Evans. "Washington Street has been underserved by transit for decades. This changes that."

Construction crews are currently working on station foundations and utility relocations along Washington Street between Rural Street and Shadeland Avenue. The most visible work will begin this summer when crews install dedicated bus lanes in the median of Washington Street, a design that separates BRT vehicles from general traffic and improves travel times.

Community Response

East-side neighborhood associations have been closely engaged in the planning process. Residents from communities like Irvington, Warren Park, and East Washington Place have attended dozens of public meetings over the past three years to weigh in on station placement, pedestrian connections, and the impact of construction on local businesses.

Some merchants on Washington Street expressed concern about construction-related disruption to customer access, and IndyGo has established a small business support program offering technical assistance and marketing help during the build period.

The Purple Line project is funded through a combination of federal transit grants, a Marion County transit referendum approved by voters in 2016, and state infrastructure funds. The total project cost is estimated at $196 million.

Once operational, the Purple Line will offer service every 10 minutes during peak hours, seven days a week. Park-and-ride facilities at the eastern terminus in Lawrence will provide connections for suburban commuters.