A public-private partnership between Greyhound Lines Inc., the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and Miller Trailways officially launched the Hoosier Ride intercity bus service, on Tuesday, giving more than 30 Indiana communities a new public transportation option for connecting with other parts of the state, as well across the country.

"Hoosier Ride is an important service that allows customers the freedom to travel at their convenience," said Dave Leach, president/CEO of Greyhound.

Since January, Hoosier Ride expanded into five regional fixed routes that are timed to connect with existing Greyhound national service in Evansville, Ind.; Indianapolis; Kalamazoo, Mich.; Louisville, Ky.; and South Bend, Ind. Hoosier Ride operates at least one trip daily in each direction using Miller Trailways' fleet of charter buses.

"By providing transportation options to work, airports, schools, and other vital public and private services, Hoosier Ride improves the quality of life and promotes growth of our economy," said Reginald Addy, Miller Trailways' director of business development.

Hoosier Ride tickets and can be purchased individually, or as connections for national Greyhound service, through several different methods. In the future, Hoosier Ride hopes to open additional ticketing terminals along its routes and offer the ability to purchase tickets directly through Greyhound online or over the phone.

Hoosier Ride is partially funded with a $2 million Federal Rural Transit grant administered by the INDOT. Greyhound tickets purchased in conjunction with the Hoosier Ride service helps finance the matching funds required under this Federal program.