IndyGo grant to provide six new minivans
Hamilton County Express (HCE), a vital lifeline for individuals with disabilities, seniors, and the economically disadvantaged, will add six new minivans to its fleet this fall. IndyGo, the largest public transportation provider in the state of Indiana, has awarded Hamilton County with a grant worth $453,000.
“This grant marks a significant milestone in enhancing public transportation accessibility in Hamilton County,” says Roscoe Brown, Director of Transportation at Janus Developmental Services, which operates Hamilton County Express. “It’s a significant step toward independence for people with limitations, ensuring they can access their community effectively, even without owning a car.”
The grant award will facilitate the acquisition of six low floor minivans that will be accessible for individuals with disabilities (including wheelchair users). The smaller vehicles will also provide easier navigation through city streets and parking lots than the larger buses operated by HCE.
The IndyGo grant award is funded by the Federal Transit Administration and comes with favorable terms, including an increased federal match percentage from 80 to 85 percent for the vehicles, due to the level of federal funding. Additional equipment funded includes interior vehicle security camera systems that will require a 20 percent local match.
Delivery of the new vehicles is expected in early fall.
The Hamilton County commissioners and councilors, the City of Fishers, Fishers’ Disability Advisory Council, and Invest Hamilton County, along with the county’s grant administrator, have been working closely with Hamilton County Express in recent months to enhance public transportation services in the county.
“Public transportation creates economic development, improved infrastructure, and gives mobility to people who don’t have it,” Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt said. “As our community continues to grow, the need for accessible public transportation becomes increasingly apparent.”
Hamilton County Express operates Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. A one-way ticket is $3. For more information or to make a trip request, residents can call (317) 773-2688 or visit HCE’s website.