IndyGo Reveals First Look At A Purple Line Bus Produced By RIDE

Shown is a new electric battery bus produced by RIDE (formerly BYD USA) for the upcoming Purple Line BRT route. (Photo courtesy of IndyGo)

This April is bringing more than just showers for May flowers in Indianapolis, IN. The month is also a time for the introduction of IndyGo’s newest electric battery buses, produced by RIDE (formerly BYD USA), for the area’s upcoming Purple Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) route.

“The 60-foot buses will be the gifts that keep on giving once they’re out on the streets,” according to a press release. “The bus technology uses near zero-emission propulsion systems, which will improve air quality and reduce noise pollution. To further reduce emissions, the agency will produce a portion of the daily energy required to charge the rapid transit vehicles from solar panels on top of IndyGo’s West Campus facility.”

The release added that since 2015, IndyGo’s efforts of putting hybrid and electric buses into service have already resulted in significant energy savings and positive environmental impacts for the agency and community:

• Gallons of diesel saved: 2,158,098;
• Total metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) saved: 14,122; and,
• Total metric tons of CO2 avoided through solar power: 1,450.

The Purple Line is scheduled to launch later this year and will run 15 miles, connecting downtown Indianapolis to nearby Lawrence, IN.

“It will not only transport more people faster but will also provide significant infrastructure upgrades along the East 38th Street and Post Road corridors,” according to the press release. “Those improvements include nearly 10 miles of sidewalks, more than 350 ADA curb ramps, new street paving, a multi-use path, storm sewer separation and much more to advance the community.”

Learn more about the project here.