IndyGo riders top 10 million, highest in 23 years

The number of passengers on IndyGo buses topped 10 million last year, the most riders since 1991.

The city’s public transportation agency said 10.29 million people rode buses in 2014 and ridership hit monthly records seven times during the course of the year. The yearly total was the highest since 9.67 million rode the buses 23 years ago, when the bus system was named Metro.

The record annual ridership was 15.5 million in 1984.

"Growing ridership shows that there's a desire for more public transportation in Indianapolis," said Mike Terry, president and chief executive officer of IndyGo in a prepared statement. "2014 was a huge year for us, and 2015 will be even bigger with the grand opening of our Downtown Transit Center."

The city has 31 regular bus routes and provides door-to-door service for the elderly and people with disabilities.

IndyGo and the Department of Public Works upgraded several bus stops last year, installing more than 4,000 square feet of sidewalks and concrete pads for 70 benches, added shelters, trash cans and other improvements.

Call John Tuohy at 317 444-6418 and follow on Twitter @john_tuohy.