At 72, Rudolph Brinker considers his role as an IndyGo transit ambassador as his “encore.”
The far southeastside resident retired in 2019 after working 46 years in industrial equipment sales. Now he’s passionate about sharing the benefits of commuting by bus.
“It’s so convenient once you know how to use it,” Brinker said. “Like where I live, I could go downtown without worrying about parking or anything like that.”
The transit ambassador program, which began in June 2016, aims to help riders understand and feel more comfortable with transit.
Brinker became a volunteer in November. He likes to inform riders about mobile apps like MyKey and MyStop, which allow riders to track their bus and pay using their phone.
The apps come in handy. Brinker recalls when a woman speaking primarily Spanish boarded a bus that wasn’t going in the direction she thought. Despite having no fluency in Spanish, he was able to use the apps to show her the movement of the bus in real time. During a stop, he and the driver were able to help her.
Kendra S. Johnson, 58, has been a transit ambassador since September 2021. The Irvington resident, who is originally from Gary, is a bus commuter.
“I get around one of two ways, the bus or my feet,” Johnson said.
Previously involved with the transit service in Gary for 25 years, she embraced the opportunity to participate here.
Johnson said what she likes most is listening to passengers. She considers herself an advocate who listens to “the good, the bad and the ugly.” And she makes sure to report it to IndyGo because she believes it’s key to resolving the concerns of riders.
“My slogan is it works when we all work together,” Johnson said. “I try to make sure passengers aren’t left out of the process because they are the reason there are buses.”
Jordan Patterson, IndyGo’s special programs manager, said volunteers like Brinker and Johnson allow IndyGo to extend its reach into the community.
“Transit ambassadors are our boots on the ground, they attend community events and educate people about our initiatives,” Patterson said.
One such initiative involved the Purple Line, the bus rapid transit route that will connect Indianapolis and the city of Lawrence. The project required closures on East 38th Street and North Post Road.
The ambassadors rode the affected routes before the closures so they could begin preparing passengers on alternatives, Patterson said.
Although those who serve are volunteers, they receive a MyKey fare card with free rides plus a $60 monthly stipend for the duration of their term.
Fewer than 10 people are in the program so IndyGo hopes to add up to 20 more this year. While being a bus commuter is not required, a prospective volunteer must possess a basic understanding of the transit system or be able to learn about it during the training, Patterson said.
Volunteers are expected to commit to a six-month term, though most participate for at least a year.
For Brinker, the program gives him another outlet to talk about how bus commuting has had a positive impact on his life.
“I used to weigh 320 and in the past year I’ve shed 80-plus pounds,” he said. “I can walk and it’s good exercise going to and from the bus stop.”
Anyone 18 years of age or older who would like to learn more about or apply to the program can visit the IndyGo website.
Mirror Indy reporter Diane Moore covers the east side of Indianapolis. Contact her at diane.moore@mirrorindy.org or 317-732-5122. Follow her on X at DianeMoore80711.
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