Louisville, January 6, 2026
The Transit Authority of River City (TARC) is proposing fare increases for various transit services in Louisville, Kentucky, marking the first hike since 2012. Public meetings will be held to discuss these changes and gather community feedback as part of TARC’s ongoing commitment to maintain sustainable transit services. Proposed increases include adult fares from $1.75 to $2.25 and 30-day passes from $50 to $75. The meetings aim to ensure community input on fare adjustments and compliance with federal regulations regarding minority and low-income populations.
Louisville, Kentucky – TARC Announces Public Meetings on Proposed Fare Increases
The Transit Authority of River City (TARC) in Louisville, Kentucky, is set to hold a series of public meetings to discuss proposed fare increases and the Title VI plan for the New TARC Network, scheduled for implementation in August 2026.
Proposed Fare Adjustments
TARC has proposed the following fare changes:
- Adult Fare: Increase from $1.75 to $2.25
- Student Fare: Increase from $0.80 to $1.25
- Senior Citizens: Increase from $0.80 to $1.25
- 24-Hour Pass: Increase from $3.50 to $5.00
- 7-Day Pass: Increase from $15.00 to $25.00
- 30-Day Pass: Increase from $50.00 to $75.00
- Summer Youth Pass: Increase from $30.00 to $45.00
- TARC3 Paratransit: Increase from $3.00 to $4.50
These adjustments mark the first proposed fare increase since 2012 and are part of TARC’s efforts to ensure long-term and sustainable transit service.
Public Meetings Schedule
TARC has scheduled eight public meetings to gather community feedback on the proposed fare changes and the Title VI plan:
- Tuesday, January 20, 5 – 7 p.m.: Shively City Hall, 3920 Dixie Highway
- Wednesday, January 21, 5 – 7 p.m.: United Crescent Hill Ministries, 150 State St
- Thursday, January 22, 5 – 6 p.m.: Virtual meeting via Zoom
- Tuesday, January 27, 12 – 1 p.m.: Virtual meeting via Zoom
- Thursday, January 29, 5 – 7 p.m.: Union Station, 1000 West Broadway
Additionally, three meetings tailored for TARC paratransit accessibility are planned:
- Friday, January 16, 6 – 7:30 p.m.: National Federation of the Blind at St. Marks Episcopal, 2822 Frankfort Ave
- Tuesday, January 20, 10 – 11 a.m.: TAAC Meeting at Union Station, 1000 W. Broadway
- Wednesday, January 28, 12 – 1 p.m.: McDowell Center, 8412 Westport Road
For more information, the public can contact TARC via email at PublicComment@ridetarc.org or through the customer care line at 502-585-1234.
Background
The proposed fare increases are part of TARC’s ongoing efforts to maintain and enhance public transit services in Louisville. The Title VI plan aims to ensure that any changes to the transit network do not disproportionately impact minority or low-income populations, in compliance with federal regulations.
Community engagement is a critical component of this process, and TARC encourages all residents to participate in the upcoming meetings to provide their input on the proposed changes.
FAQ
What are the proposed fare increases by TARC?
TARC has proposed the following fare changes:
- Adult Fare: Increase from $1.75 to $2.25
- Student Fare: Increase from $0.80 to $1.25
- Senior Citizens: Increase from $0.80 to $1.25
- 24-Hour Pass: Increase from $3.50 to $5.00
- 7-Day Pass: Increase from $15.00 to $25.00
- 30-Day Pass: Increase from $50.00 to $75.00
- Summer Youth Pass: Increase from $30.00 to $45.00
- TARC3 Paratransit: Increase from $3.00 to $4.50
When and where are the public meetings scheduled?
TARC has scheduled eight public meetings:
- Tuesday, January 20, 5 – 7 p.m.: Shively City Hall, 3920 Dixie Highway
- Wednesday, January 21, 5 – 7 p.m.: United Crescent Hill Ministries, 150 State St
- Thursday, January 22, 5 – 6 p.m.: Virtual meeting via Zoom
- Tuesday, January 27, 12 – 1 p.m.: Virtual meeting via Zoom
- Thursday, January 29, 5 – 7 p.m.: Union Station, 1000 West Broadway
Additionally, three meetings tailored for TARC paratransit accessibility are planned:
- Friday, January 16, 6 – 7:30 p.m.: National Federation of the Blind at St. Marks Episcopal, 2822 Frankfort Ave
- Tuesday, January 20, 10 – 11 a.m.: TAAC Meeting at Union Station, 1000 W. Broadway
- Wednesday, January 28, 12 – 1 p.m.: McDowell Center, 8412 Westport Road
How can I provide feedback on the proposed fare changes?
Community members can provide feedback by attending the public meetings or by contacting TARC via email at PublicComment@ridetarc.org or through the customer care line at 502-585-1234.
What is the Title VI plan, and how does it relate to the fare changes?
The Title VI plan ensures that any changes to the transit network do not disproportionately impact minority or low-income populations, in compliance with federal regulations. TARC is seeking public input on this plan as part of the fare change process.
Why are fare increases being considered now?
The proposed fare increases are part of TARC’s ongoing efforts to maintain and enhance public transit services in Louisville, ensuring long-term and sustainable transit service.
Key Features of the Proposed Fare Changes
| Fare Type | Current Rate | Proposed Rate | Increase Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Fare | $1.75 | $2.25 | $0.50 |
| Student Fare | $0.80 | $1.25 | $0.45 |
| Senior Citizens | $0.80 | $1.25 | $0.45 |
| 24-Hour Pass | $3.50 | $5.00 | $1.50 |
| 7-Day Pass | $15.00 | $25.00 | $10.00 |
| 30-Day Pass | $50.00 | $75.00 | $25.00 |
| Summer Youth Pass | $30.00 | $45.00 | $15.00 |
| TARC3 Paratransit | $3.00 | $4.50 | $1.50 |
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