INDIANAPOLIS — We put the IndyGo Red Line to the test by tracking how long it takes to get from Downtown to Broad Ripple in the middle of the afternoon rush.
Four days after the launch of the city's new bus system, we are seeing just how rapid rapid transit really is.
"I think that this is a great asset to the city," Yecenia Tostado said. "I think it'll make traveling back and forth a lot easier, a lot more efficient."
We left the Downtown transit center at 5:07 p.m., boarding a bus that in minutes had only standing room only. Tostado, a resident of Broad Ripple took the Red Line home for the first time.
"I'm hoping that I can use this as a regular way to get to and from work," Tostado said. "I'm hoping that I'll be able to maybe get some work done on the bus or just relax."
After leaving her downtown job, Tostado climbed on board at the Washington and Capitol station, eight miles south of her destination at College and Broad Ripple Avenues. Adam Lickliter had a similar route. He's been riding the new bus line to work all week and now believes the Red Line is the future.
"It's going to allow people to go to soo many parts of the city so much quicker, and people are going to say I want to live close to the Red Line," Lickliter said. "I want to live close to IndyGo and we're going to be able to go work for cheap, much quicker and more efficiently."
As the bus built for 100 passengers filled up, we reached Meridian and 38th Streets at 5:33 p.m., 26 minutes after leaving the transit center.
"I love it!" Tostado said. "I'm so glad I'm not sitting in my car."
As we approach Broad Ripple Avenue, both Lickliter and Tostado have reached their stop — 35 minutes after boarding at 5:10 p.m.
"Quick and easy," Tostado said. "Faster than driving would've taken me."
"It's quick and easy," Lickliter said. "I'm home!"
