TARC is proposing service cuts, with the changes taking effect in January 2025

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – The River City Transportation Authority plans to reduce service starting January 26th.

TARC representatives announced this on Tuesday, October 29. The proposed changes will apply to about a dozen routes.

South 22nd Street, Circulator Medical Center and Crams Lane will be closed. The routes of South 18th Street and Eastern Boulevard will be combined. Several other routes have been set up for various changes such as reduced frequency.

“First and foremost, TARC must provide reliable, predictable service and ensure long-term financial stability,” said TARC Executive Director Ozzie Gibson. “These changes are necessary to achieve these goals.”

In early 2024, TARC projected a $30 million deficit for fiscal year 2027 if no changes were made. These route changes are expected to save the service four million dollars a year, according to the announcement.

“One of the reasons TARC is facing both reliability issues and financial collapse is that hard decisions have been delayed for too long,” Gibson said. “The TARC leadership is focused on effective strategies to overcome the current financial challenges and ensure a stronger, more reliable and sustainable TARC.”

Two open houses will be held in November to give Louisville residents an opportunity to ask questions about these changes.

The first meeting is scheduled at the TARC Union Station on West Broadway on Wednesday, November 13. The second is scheduled for Shively City Hall on Thursday, November 14. The time for both open days is set to be from 5 to 7 p.m

Anyone wishing to comment on the changes may also do so through TARC’s online comment system, TARC’s social media platforms, by emailing [email protected] or by calling 502-585-1234. People wishing to leave comments may also leave a comment in person at TARC Union Station.

These changes are not part of TARC’s 2025 network renewal plan.

Draft proposals for the future of TARC will not be available until sometime this winter.

Click here for more information from TARC on each change made.