IndyGo goal: Make Indianapolis one of the most accessible cities in America

On Sept. 1, when the Red Line, the nation’s first battery-electric bus rapid transit (BRT) system, starts serving passengers, it would be reasonable to think we are entering a new era in Indianapolis transit.

But, the truth is, Indy transit has been rolling steadily forward for some time, as innovative plans have been forged, routes have been reconfigured and older buses have been replaced with more environmentally friendly vehicles. Downtown welcomed the Julia M. Carson Transit Center, voters overwhelmingly supported funding for improved transit, and we’ve added cutting-edge technology.

On Monday, we will welcome Inez Evans as she takes on her new role as IndyGo’s president and CEO. 

Needless to say, we had to find a special person to build on the visionary progress generated by departing CEO Mike Terry. In Mike’s 16 years with IndyGo, 10 as CEO, he partnered with a team that transformed transit in Indianapolis, positioning the city as a national example of what’s possible.

In Inez, we found someone uniquely qualified to lead IndyGo into this new era.

Inez brings with her experiences and accomplishments remarkably aligned with IndyGo’s needs and opportunities. For example, in her 25 years in the transit industry, she has led major transportation initiatives, including the installation of a BRT service like the one coming to Indy. In her current role as chief operating officer for California’s Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, she has participated in master planning for a shift to a 100% electric bus fleet. She has experience with the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA) and Metropolitan Atlanta Regional Transportation Authority, as well as operations in Austin, Texas; San Jose, Calif.; and other markets.

But Inez’ appeal to IndyGo goes beyond her resume, as IndyGo stakeholders and employees learned when she was in Indianapolis at the end of July. While here for only 48 hours, Inez attended an IndyGo board meeting and met with employees and also held a series of meetings with elected officials and community leaders. Without fail, people came out of those meetings excited, saying they are impressed by her vision, openness, and warm and engaging personality.

This intentional process of connecting with people is not new for Inez — she has always made a point of meeting with passengers and employees of the systems where she works — and it will continue after she officially joins IndyGo. One of her first priorities will be to hold listening sessions with customers, employees and neighbors. Recognizing that planning for the Purple and Blue BRT lines is in full swing, she wants to hear from people affected, and also take a look back at Red Line implementation and see what could be improved for the future projects.

Even before Inez’ visit to Indy, we were impressed by her vision and desire to do what’s best for transit customers. Seeing her leadership and communication skills in action with employees and the community, our choice was affirmed: We have found what we were looking for.

The opportunity to lead Indy’s growing transit system attracted interest from professionals across the nation, so we had the opportunity to choose the best person to lead IndyGo into a bold, innovative future. We are delighted that, when we cut the ribbon for the Red Line on Sept. 1, Inez Evans will be standing with us, and even more delighted that she will help us shape and celebrate that future and our continuing effort to make Indianapolis one of the most accessible cities in America.

Juan F. Gonzalez, chairperson

Mark Fisher, vice chairperson

Adairius J. Gardner, secretary

Greg Hahn, treasurer

Danny M. Crenshaw

Tommie Jones

Richard H. Wilson, Jr.

IndyGo Board of Directors