IndyGo kicked off the new year by announcing the extension of its $3,000 signing bonus incentive for new hires applying to become a coach operator or mechanic, which began in July 2023.

To sweeten the deal, the IndyGo board recently approved pay increases for these essential positions, effective Jan. 1, 2024. This increase was a result of a new collective bargaining agreement negotiated between IndyGo and Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1070 leadership. Current compensation includes:

• Coach operators (after training): $23+/hour starting pay (nearly $47,800 annually).

• Mechanics: $29+/hour starting pay (nearly $62,400 annually).

Working to Combat the Driver Shortage

Last July, IndyGo implemented its signing bonus incentive in direct response to the ongoing driver shortage, as the agency aimed to right size its workforce.

From the incentive’s launch in July 2023, until Dec. 31, 2023, the agency received 1,147 coach operator and mechanic applications. These applications resulted in at least 176 candidates being hired. This represented a nearly 180% increase in applicants and a nearly 185% increase in new hires for that timeframe in the previous year. 

The agency hopes to continue the trend into 2024 as it continues to address the driver shortage.