At its May 15 meeting, the Indianapolis Public Transportation Corporation (IndyGo) Board of Directors advanced several major contracts and property transactions. These actions included leasing a multimillion-dollar property on the east side of Indianapolis to expand services and considering eminent domain to maintain compliance with federal accessibility mandates.
New IndyGo board member, staff recognitions, and tribute
IndyGo President and CEO Jennifer Pyrz began the meeting by recognizing standout employees for their professionalism and dedication. Angela Heitman was named May’s Operations Employee of the Month for showing “kindness and empathy” following a traffic accident. Garage employee Jarrett Glenn was recognized for maintaining critical operations during staff shortages. Mr. Sanders, a bus operator with ten years of safe driving, was also honored.
Pyrz introduced new board member Adrian, a healthcare talent development professional and civic leader who serves as chairwoman of the Indiana Civil Rights Commission.
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“She comes from a family of community servants and considers it an honor to serve others,” Pyrz said.
Board Chair Greg Hahn offered a tribute to the late Bill Stinson, a former board member and longtime public servant, calling him a “huge supporter of IndyGo” who “made a tremendous contribution in a very short period of time” before his passing earlier this year.
Approval of IndyGo paratransit facility lease
The board approved a 10-year lease for a new paratransit facility at 9350 East 30th Street at $27,500 per month with 3% annual increases. Legal counsel Bob Fry explained that the site is “ideal for IndyGo Access” due to its 7.6-acre size, fencing, and existing office and maintenance buildings. Indigo Access provides ride services for disabled individuals under ADA requirements and currently operates out of fragmented, inadequate facilities.
Real estate broker Gordon Hendrie, who helped negotiate the lease, told the board the deal was “well under market rate,” citing the property’s specialized use and security features.
Sale of IndyGo’s unused Madison Avenue property
After receiving no bids during a 60-day public notice period, the board authorized staff to list three parcels on Madison Avenue for public sale.
“Now that we’ve met the statutory requirements, we’re asking to proceed with a real estate broker,” said Fry.
The board will have final approval over any future sale offers.
Major contract renewals approved
Several service contracts were extended or renewed, including:
- ADP Payroll and HR Software: A four-year extension through 2029, with a locked-in rate for the first two years and modest increases thereafter.
- Talkdesk Phone System: A one-year extension for the system used in customer service call centers. Staff cited ongoing operational changes and risk mitigation as reasons for not rebidding the contract yet.
- Janitorial Services: A three-year, $1.17 million contract divided among multiple vendors for cleaning services across IndyGo’s properties. Contracts include options for two one-year renewals and participation from women- and minority-owned businesses.
- Bus Shelter Cleaning: A three-month extension for Schuck Corporation’s contract while the board awaits bids for a new long-term agreement.
- Transmission Rebuilds: A two-year, $349,000 contract with Reliable Transmission Services to rebuild Allison P400 transmissions used in 123 buses.
Advancing the Blue Line and local stop accessibility
IndyGo continues to advance the Blue Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project. The board approved:
- A $420,000 task order with Burgess & Niple for construction management on Washington Street BRT docking stations.
- A $375,000 design services allowance for WSP to resolve active construction issues without delay.
- A $341,210 reimbursement agreement with the City of Indianapolis’ Information Services Agency to relocate fiber optic cables in conflict with Blue Line construction.
To support local bus stop upgrades under its ADA Transition Plan, IndyGo also introduced an ordinance which would allow the agency to use eminent domain if necessary.
Thirteen properties may be affected, mostly for small right-of-way needs to fit accessible boarding pads. A public hearing and vote are scheduled for the June board meeting
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