Inez Evans
"In striving for success, don't lose yourself, and don't compromise who you are; you have to be able to look in the mirror at the end of the day and still like yourself." -Inez Evans
We continue our "Spring Forward" theme with the words that affirm the first Black woman to ever serve as President and CEO of IndyGo. A woman who is one of only nine Black women in the country to serve as CEO of a transit agency, Inez Evans.
Inez Evans is much more than the President and CEO of IndyGo; she is a community leader, change-maker, and believer in the greater good for all Indy residents. She believes in being active in the community and lives by the motto “success won't just come to you; you have to go get it." Inez understands that for her to be successful she must strive for sustainable outcomes, establish equitable decision-making processes, and cultivate deep relationships with those she interacts with. With a belief that “service is the rent you pay for your time here on earth” Inez stays connected by serving with organizations including Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB), the American Heart Association, the Arts Council of Indianapolis, and the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee (GIPC).
As the leader of IndyGo, Inez is responsible for nearly 800 employees, oversees a fleet of more than 200 vehicles, and manages a budget of more than $210 million. She has continued to move Indianapolis’ transportation needle brought about by the implementation of the Marion County Transit Plan. This plan includes the agency's first all-electric bus rapid transit (BRT) line, and the introduction of the Red Line. These are just two examples of the numerous elements of our improved transit infrastructure that is increasing access for residents and visitors.
When we asked Inez about IndyGo's most significant accomplishment to date, she stated, "IndyGo is showing communities throughout our city and beyond the importance of transit and the positive changes that can occur when you invest in it." She also understands that it takes the entire community working together to ensure mobility remains top of mind, so she values time spent meeting with key stakeholders, including but not limited to: legislators, members of the Indy Chamber, neighborhood associations and business leaders.
The accomplishments of the IndyGo Red Line have brought national attention to Indianapolis, with transportation officials from around the country traveling to Indianapolis to experience it and learn best practices. IndyGo has now broken ground on the much anticipated Purple Line, a $188 million dollar investment that will bring about significant infrastructure improvements and improve the quality of life for families residing on Indy’s eastside. "Over the next two years, Indy's Far Eastside will see an unprecedented transformation through substantial transit infrastructure improvements along East 38th Street and Post Road as a result of this project,'' she stated. “These upgrades will include 10 miles of sidewalks, more than 350 ADA curb ramps, new street paving, storm sewer separation, and more."
You may be asking yourself how and why Inez landed in the transportation field. Her answer - “simply hard work”. She applied for a customer service job and soon it became clear that transit had chosen her. Once she entered the field, she enjoyed it, noting her love to solve puzzles as fueling her passion. She believes transportation is a puzzle that changes daily. No two days are the same but the solution is always the same-- ensuring people in Indianapolis have access to safe and affordable transportation.
Inez affirmed her passion for us with this quote by Maya Angelou: "Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” You can stay engaged with Inez and Indygo by connecting on FB (@IndyGoBus), Linkedin (@InezEvans or @IndyGo), Twitter (@IndyGoBus), Instagram (@IndyGoBus), and their website – www.IndyGo.net