New Greyhound Partnership Brings More Bus Routes and Economic Growth to Gary

Gary announced Thursday the expansion of its bus services and a strengthened partnership with Greyhound, a move officials hope will enhance regional connectivity and solidify the city’s role as a transportation hub for Northwest Indiana.

Unveiled in the shadow of Gary’s Adam Benjamin Metro Center, the plan includes more frequent Greyhound arrivals and departures alongside expanded local bus routes throughout Gary and neighboring communities.

“We’re seeing an influx of infrastructure and job and growth opportunities, and a lot of that workforce that we’re providing throughout the Northwest Indiana region live right here in Gary,” Mayor Eddie Melton said Thursday. “A lot of those individuals who are getting to Merrillville, Hobart, and other parts of this region live right here. So when we talk about expanding transportation and moving people, we’re talking about growing an economy. We’re talking about the sustainability of a city such as Gary.”

The expanded services will include 25 daily Greyhound arrivals and 30 departures from Gary’s transportation center, connecting the city to nearby locations with Greyhound stops — including Merrillville, Michigan City, and Valparaiso — as well as destinations across the country. Local bus routes will also expand, offering Gary residents greater access to jobs, education, and essential services throughout the region. Officials believe the improvements will enhance mobility and drive economic growth by providing Gary residents and visitors more opportunities to travel by bus to nearby communities.

Melton hinted at future transportation developments, supported by state funds from Senate Bill 434, which Melton sponsored during his time as a state senator.

“Pretty soon, we’re going to be seeing a brand-new train station right here in Gateway Park,” he said, just as the horn of a South Shore train from Chicago sounded.

“This is a great day for the city of Gary because we’re talking about a collaborative effort,” said U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan. “It opens up opportunities for not only Gary, Indiana, and the residents, but for Northwest Indiana. It allows for that single mother who is challenged by the cost of transportation and parking in the city to have a job and be able to affordably get back and forth, to be able to spend time with her family.”

The expanded partnership with Greyhound is expected to bring in more revenue for the city, helping fund improvements to the Adam Benjamin Metro Center. Greyhound’s rent for operating at the center has increased to $11,500 per month from the previous $1,500, with the additional funds earmarked for building repairs and upgrades. Renovations to the center, including restrooms and escalators, are estimated to cost $300,000, according to Denise Dillard, interim general manager of the Gary Public Transportation Corporation.

“Today isn’t just about our expansion; it’s a clear sign of our confidence in Gary’s future and our shared belief in the importance of accessible and equitable transportation,” said Fatih Eroglu, Greyhound’s regional vice president.

Gary’s public transportation network will also see improvements beyond the Greyhound partnership. The Gary Public Transportation Corporation is set to expand its fleet, adding more buses to service additional routes across the city and other Lake County areas. With 19 active buses, the bus fleet has nearly doubled in the past two years, Dillard said. While the GPTC has not disclosed the total amount of funding used for the expansion and renovations, the agency’s $15.7 million budget is awaiting approval from Gary’s Common Council.

The Gary expansion announcement comes as Greyhound’s future in Chicago remains uncertain, raising speculation that Gary’s transportation center could play a larger role in the region’s transit landscape.