IndyGo's new president and CEO is 'the woman behind the Purple Line'
IndyGo announced the new president and CEO who will lead the transportation agency as Blue Line construction starts. Jennifer Pyrz, who has served in the position as an interim since former president Inez Evans resigned in late 2023, will assume the new role effective immediately.
“Over the last six months, Jennifer has built upon her already proven track record with IndyGo to show poise, strength, and determination in leadership through some pivotal moments,” IndyGo Board President Gregory Hahn said in a press release.
Pyrz has worked for IndyGo since 2020 and has over 25 years of experience in the transportation industry. She led IndyGo through the statehouse fight over the Blue Line, which was put in jeopardy during this year’s legislative session. Senate Bill 52 would have banned dedicated bus lanes, which would have cost IndyGo an expected $150 million federal grant.
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Construction on the Blue Line is expected to start early next year after IndyGo and legislative leaders came to an agreement during session to keep two lanes of traffic flow in each direction in its Blue Line plan whenever possible. The Blue Line will span Washington Street from Cumberland to the Indianapolis International Airport, following IndyGo's existing Route 8.
Pyrz also oversees the Purple Line project; IndyGo credits her as “the woman behind the Purple Line.” The Purple Line, which will connect Indianapolis and Lawrence, is expected to launch this fall.
“IndyGo has always been a point of pride for me, and I will continue to focus on delivering our mission of connecting this community through safe, reliable and accessible mobility experiences,” Pyrz said.
Former president and CEO Inez Evans served from 2019 to late 2023. She oversaw the 2019 launch of the Red Line, IndyGo's first bus rapid transit line, and its attempted recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic, construction of the Purple Line and planning for the Blue Line.
The change comes ahead of some route and timing adjustments, which will be implemented June 9.
Contact IndyStar politics Pulliam fellow Nadia Scharf at nscharf@indystar.com or follow her on Twitter @nadiaascharf.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: IndyGo announces new president and CEO ahead of Blue Line construction
