Indianapolis-based IndyGo announced it will begin it next round of bus service improvements on June 9.

In February, the transit agency launched frequent service on its core lines, added weekend service and lengthened some hours of service. The changes slated for June will increase system efficiency through route realignments and will result in better service for customers. Enhancements include a new crosstown route on Indianapolis’s north side, extending routes to serve more destinations, improving connections and frequency, and offering more direct service.

“With additional funds through the city-county council-approved 2013 budget, IndyGo is able to make strategic investments in our mass transit service,” said IndyGo President/CEO Michael Terry. “The changes for 2013 will help strengthen highly traveled transit corridors and offer better connections for route transfers, frequency improvements and higher productivity.”

Improvements to the IndyGo system are guided by the Indy Connect bus plan, an intensive analysis of current IndyGo operations, ridership, population and employment density.

Most notable of the service changes for June is the addition of one new route. Route 86 — 86th St. Crosstown will operate between Trader’s Point on the northwest side and Community Hospital North on the northeast side. The new service will connect with seven existing IndyGo routes and will serve the 86th St./82nd St. corridor with half hour frequency six days a week.

The implementation of June enhancements represents the majority of adjustments in IndyGo’s ambitious 2013 service improvement plan. The agency continually monitors the performance of its routes and makes changes to timetables and routing in February, June and October each year.

Aside from changes to the bus network, later this year IndyGo plans to implement significant technology upgrades that will greatly enhance the customer experience and attract new riders. Through competitive grants, IndyGo has secured some of the money required to deploy enhanced customer information services. Real-time bus arrival information could allow customers to text message IndyGo for up-to-the-minute details on bus schedule adherence, detour alerts and stop closures.

The real-time project could also offer access to enhanced customer service information 24 hours a day through an automated phone system, a new web information system, on-street customer information at major downtown stops and even smart phone apps.

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