IndyGo To Continue Current ADA Paratransit Service Open Door - And Seeks Input To Improve It

Open Door provides door-to-door services to people with disabilities in Marion County -- where riders may schedule a ride to any in-county location. However, many users say the service is unreliable -- reporting late pick-ups and long ride times, as long as 3 and 6 hour. IndyGo also identified some management issues. It commissioned a consulting firm to study the service and advise solutions.

In its Monday meeting, the board of directors advised IndyGo staff to gather more community input before making any changes to the current service.

Manager of Special Projects and Regional Mobility Integration Ryan Wilhite said the board needs a broader public outreach effort.

“This next step is intended to gather input on how to make policy changes to improve the quality of service delivered, including an opportunity to prioritize policies and determine what on-demand service looks like beyond the ADA required area.”

The board of directors requested the staff engage with the broader community by talking with business leaders and large employers. It plans to continue to draw input from Indiana Disability Rights, IndyGo’s Mobility Advisory Committee and the Mayor’s Advisory Council on Disabilities.

Members of the disability community and the agencies that support them voiced their concern after seeing the recommended options given after the operational analysis. Many felt that the options would reduce the scope of Open Door’s service and leave their riders behind.

The board was also concerned about the limitations of public outreach especially with those of the disability community amidst the pandemic. 

In addition to that decision on Open Door, the board approved a request to secure a Municipal Lease Bond Issue of $25,800,000 to fund the purchase of 27 hybrid buses. It also approved its budget of $210,587,194.

Around 33 people watched the meeting virtually. There were no public comments.