Corrections & clarifications: An earlier version of this story misstated the free period for standard IndyGo service. Non-Red Line routes will be free for the first two weeks of September.

When the Red Line launches on Sept. 1, Indianapolis residents will have to get used to a new system running through downtown.

But they won't have to use the new ticketing system quite yet.

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That's because riding the Red Line will be free through September. All of IndyGo will be free for the first two weeks of the month.

"This is to encourage people to ride the Red Line and help those whose routes will be impacted by Red Line transfers to make it the least cumbersome as possible to ride," said IndyGo spokeswoman Lauren Day.

She said people will essentially be able to walk onto the buses and take them for free throughout the IndyGo system. Riders will also see extended hours of service, and every route will run everyday.

Bryan Luellen, IndyGo vice president of public affairs, said the free rides are a gesture to the the public for its patience during construction. This is also an opportunity to educate riders.

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"For people unfamiliar with using transit, there can be a perception that it’s confusing to figure out," he said. "Free rides (will) remove one barrier that we have control over."

Volunteers will be assigned to the 28 Red Line stations for opening week to answer questions and explain the new MyKey ticketing vending machines, so riders will know how to use them come October.

The new account-based system allows riders to purchase reusable tap cards and refill them with funds via the MyKey mobile app, or at station kiosks, the transit center, online or over the phone.

Each bus will have a MyKey reader where users can tap their cards on the screen for local routes. At rapid transit stations, riders will tap or scan at validators on the platforms before boarding. Riders will still be able to pay with cash on the bus.

Kellie Hwang is a reporter at IndyStar. Contact her at 317-444-6032 or kellie.hwang@indystar.com. Follow her on Twitter: @KellieHwang.