Disclaimer: The information in this blogpost is subject to change, based upon public input and final Citilink decisions.
Why These Changes Are Happening
Citilink, like many transit agencies nationwide, faces financial challenges. More than 90% of our funding comes from local taxes and federal grants, and both sources have limits. The expiration of temporary COVID-era federal funding, flat state support, and ongoing cost inflation have created a structural budget deficit projected between $2.7 and $3.9 million over the next four years.
Citilink is updating several routes to improve reliability, efficiency, and service consistency across Greater Fort Wayne. These updates are based on ridership patterns, destinations most riders travel to, operational performance, and community input.
We know that any change to your daily route can be stressful. We are deeply grateful to our riders and community for taking the time to share your thoughts and for understanding the difficult realities behind these proposed changes.
We know these adjustments aren’t easy for you or for us and we want you to know we don’t take them lightly. Your feedback helps us make the most responsible choices possible while keeping Citilink strong for the future.
What Are the Changes?
- Routes 5 & 7 consolidated:
The Southeast Local (Route 5) will be retired. Routes 7 Anthony/Oxford and 7A Anthony via Creighton will be combined into one route.
Their coverage areas will be served by updated Route 3 (Village Woods), Route 6 (currently McKinnie/proposed to rename as Southeast), and updated Route 7 (proposed to rename as Anthony)
- Expanded Route 3 & 6 coverage:
Both routes will provide improved access along Hanna St., Fairfield Ave., Burns Blvd., Calhoun St., Pontiac St., and Lafayette St., serving key apartment communities and Bowen Health.
These updates also create a new direct connection from the Pontiac Street Market to Central Station, improving access to fresh food in an area previously considered a food desert. The former Route 5 only circulated locally and did not connect downtown, so this new link provides greater opportunity for residents citywide.
- Deviations streamlined:
Some neighborhood deviation trips will shift to low-floor fixed-route buses for easier boarding and system-wide access. - Reliable frequency:
These updated routes will run on a consistent 60-minute schedule, maintaining at least seven buses per hour east of Calhoun to ensure strong Southeast coverage.
Maps of the Routes and Changes
Current System Map
Upcoming System Map
Current Map Zoomed In
Upcoming Map Zoomed In
Southeast Service Update: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is Citilink making changes to routes in Southeast Fort Wayne?
We are updating routes throughout the system to improve reliability, simplify routing, and better match where riders are traveling today. These changes help provide more predictable and direct service.
As we continue to face budget shortfalls, we continue to analyze our routes for efficiencies. We started with the routes that had the lowest ridership and duplicative service (EG two routes traveling the same road) and will be working on additional updates throughout 2026.
Is Southeast still getting enough service?
Yes. Southeast remains one of the most well-served areas in the city. It receives about one-quarter of all Citilink service, the second-highest share among all four quadrants.
Does this mean Southeast is losing service?
No. Service is being reorganized, not removed. Routes continue to serve Southtown Center, New Haven access, and the Anthony corridor, supporting travel to jobs, healthcare, retail, and residential areas.
What improvements are riders likely to see?
These changes help provide:
• Consistent hourly service on every route
• More direct trips with fewer deviations
• Better connections to key destinations
• Easier schedules to understand and plan around
Why focus on direct routes?
Direct routing helps reduce overall travel time, improves on-time performance, and ensures service is being used where it is most needed.
Will Saturday service remain?
Yes. Saturday service continues in Southeast on all currently served corridors.
How were these decisions made?
We used:
- Ridership patterns
- Driver feedback
- Transit-dependent population data
- Destinations most riders travel to
- Operational performance
- Public feedback from riders and community partners
Will Citilink continue listening to rider input?
Absolutely. Rider feedback is essential. We are sharing updated information at community meetings and encourage riders to ask questions and share their experience so we can continue to support what works well.
Where can I see the new routes and schedules?
• Visit this blogpost
• Follow Citilink on Facebook for updates
• Call Customer Service at (260) 432-4546 if you need additional support
