Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett and City-County Councillor La Keisha Jackson joined officials from IndyGo and the United Way of Central Indiana (UWCI) to announce “Driven 2 Success,” a new initiative targeting the transportation needs of residents on Indy’s Far Eastside.

Pathway Resource Center is leading the initiative in collaboration with IndyGo, with grant support from UWCI’s Social Innovation Fund. 

Under the project plan, Far Eastside residents will be able to schedule on-demand round trips for $2 to access job training, supportive services, childcare, health and food access, substance abuse treatment and counseling, behavioral health services, and employment.

“Opportunity — for health, housing, employment, you name it — isn’t a true opportunity if you can’t get to it,” said Jackson. “For so many people in this community, lack of reliable transportation has meant lack of access to opportunities to build a better life. We’re stepping into that gap.”

IndyGo is providing compact buses that will be driven by fully trained operators. UWCI’s Social Innovation Fund grant dollars will be used to underwrite rider fares. Trips will generally be limited to a 5-mile radius from Pathway Resource Center’s location at 10119 John Marshall Dr.

“IndyGo recognizes the tremendous importance of filling in the gaps in transportation providing more options for the city’s most vulnerable population,” said Inez Evans, IndyGo president/CEO. “We’re excited to partner with Pathway Resource Center, the United Way of Central Indiana and Councillor Jackson to launch Driven 2 Success. We know this service will reduce barriers to mobility, connect users to existing transit services and build a bridge to work, medical appointments, school, training and grocery shopping for residents living on the city’s Far Eastside.”

Although IndyGo’s Purple Line, which had its groundbreaking just last week, is expected to help address the transportation needs for eastside residents, officials said help is needed now.

“For just $2, Far Eastside residents will now have the option to book a personalized, on-demand ride to any essential destination; including trips for food, healthcare, education or employment,” said Mayor Hogsett. “Driven 2 Success will help meet gaps in current transit coverage, while keeping costs and empty seats to a minimum.”