IndyGo addresses driver shortage with route adjustments
Indianapolis, Indiana – IndyGo, the Indianapolis public transportation agency, has announced that 12 of its bus routes will undergo modifications in response to ongoing driver shortages.
The public transportation agency is currently looking to hire 100 drivers to reach full staffing capacity.
The affected routes include 2, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 26, 28, 31, 38, 55, and 902. Additionally, a new route, 56, will be introduced, while routes 12, 13, 14, and 55 will be consolidated. These changes, available for review online, are set to commence on June 11th.
According to IndyGo spokesperson Carrie Black, the frequency of service on four routes will be altered. Buses may arrive every 45 or 60 minutes, rather than the previous 30-minute interval. Some routes will see reduced frequency, while others will experience increases. Original schedules may be reinstated once IndyGo achieves full staffing.
To attract new hires, the agency is offering a starting wage of $20 per hour, health benefits, and free training for commercial driver’s licenses. Black acknowledges that the driver shortage is a nationwide issue, exacerbated by the pandemic, which caused a significant decline in the bus driver workforce.
IndyGo will host a virtual meeting on May 16th to discuss the upcoming changes. Open houses at the transit center on May 17th and 18th, from 6-8 a.m. and 3-5 p.m. respectively, will provide further opportunities for discussion.
