INDIANAPOLIS -- With the help of a new federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation, IndyGo will be able to construct its Blue Line bus rapid transit project. According to a news release, the department's Federal Transit Administration announced on Tuesday that the Indianapolis Public Transportation Corporation, or IndyGo, will be given $149.9 million to help fund construction of the Blue Line bus rapid transit project. Officials said the 24-mile project will "provide fast and frequent public transportation" for one of the main east-west travel corridors in Marion County. This will include 12 miles of dedicated bus-only lanes in the "urban core" and will cover several places, including: Downtown Indianapolis State Capitol Indianapolis International Airport Indianapolis Zoo Three high schools Several planned redevelopment areas IN Focus 2024 Year in Review: Election year brings transition in power to Indiana IndyGo President and CEO Jennifer Pyrz said that this is the third and final planned BRT route for IndyGo, "which collectively with the Red and Purple Lines, will serve as the backbone for (the) entire transit system)" “Receiving these funds from the federal government for the Blue Line is proof that transit is essential in Indianapolis and worthy of high-level investment," she said. "We're grateful to the FTA for putting their trust in us to deliver on this critical project and look forward to the positive impact this investment will have on the Central Indiana economy.” The overall project will cost around $396 million, according to a news release from IndyGo. The remaining project costs will be covered by: Combination of local funding from the transit income tax Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization Citizens Energy Group Other federal sources “With enhanced reliability, greater frequency, and comfort, this expansion guarantees that every resident and visitor has access to vital hubs in Indianapolis, which is particularly gratifying to see in my home state,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in the release. “The Biden-Harris administration is enhancing the way people travel in the country’s heartland by connecting riders to the airport, students to education and Indy residents to new opportunities while supporting economic vitality and regional growth.” The release said that the project includes 60-foot hybrid buses and will be offered 20 hours per weekday from 30 stations. “This investment in the Blue Line represents a real commitment to the city’s transportation infrastructure and will reduce transit travel times in the corridor by up to 30 percent,” FTA Deputy Administrator Veronica Vanterpool said in the release.  “With upgraded traffic signals, miles of resurfaced lanes, new and replaced sidewalks, curb ramps, bike stations and crosswalks, FTA is building safer, more sustainable, and accessible pathways for everyone, including improved transit service for a large number of low-income and zero-car households.” Construction for the project is expected to begin in early 2025 and is scheduled to be open in late 2028, the release from IndyGo read.