BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Bloomington Transit has announced the creation of Route 13, which will extend to previously un-serviced areas, including West Vernal Pike over the interstate and West to Park 48 and Ivy Tech Community College. The BPTC Board of Directors unanimously approved the inter-local cooperation agreement with Monroe County, paving the way for the first-ever fixed-route bus that will serve areas outside of City boundaries.
Route 13 will begin service on Thursday, January 2, 2025. Buses will operate Monday–Friday, with the first trip leaving the Downtown Transit Center at 6:40 a.m. and the final trip returning at 6:30 p.m. There will be one trip per hour for a total of 12 trips per day.
Route 13 will expand access to jobs and educational opportunities by providing reliable public transportation between Park 48/Ivy Tech and Downtown Bloomington. Business complexes located along the route include Cook Medical, Berry Global, Singota Solutions, Simtra (both Curry Pike and Daniel’s Way locations) and TASUS.
What They’re Saying About Route 13:
- John Connell, Bloomington Transit General Manager: “Meeting our customer and resident expectations requires us to embrace a new approach to defining our service area and the types of services we offer. This is an exciting first step toward transforming Bloomington Transit into a provider of regional mobility options.”
- Christopher Emge, Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce Director of Advocacy & Public Policy: “I want to express our profound appreciation for this landmark achievement in expanding Bloomington Transit service to Park 48. This expansion, forty years in the making, marks a crucial advancement for our business and educational community in Monroe County. Together, we’re building a more accessible, connected, and prosperous community for generations to come.”
- Julie Thomas, Monroe County Commissioner: “This is a wonderful opportunity to extend County-City collaboration into the world of transit! It will be a fabulous service for residents across Monroe County.”
Bloomington Transit is operated by the Bloomington Public Transportation Corporation (BPTC) in Bloomington, Indiana. The transit system consists of fixed-route buses operating seven days a week and a paratransit system focused on transportation for those who are not able to ride the fixed-route system. Bloomington Transit provides vital transportation for Indiana University students and connects the community to destinations throughout the City of Bloomington.