Louisville, January 9, 2026
The Transit Authority of River City (TARC) in Louisville plans to increase bus fare rates after 14 years, citing rising maintenance, insurance, and employee costs. Proposed changes include a 50-cent increase in standard adult fares and a rise to $25 for monthly passes. Public meetings will be held to gather community feedback before the board makes a final decision on the fare adjustments.
Louisville, Kentucky: TARC Proposes Fare Increases Amid Rising Operational Costs
The Transit Authority of River City (TARC) in Louisville is contemplating fare increases for its bus services due to rising operational expenses. If approved, standard adult fares would rise by 50 cents per ride, and monthly passes would increase to $25. These adjustments are aimed at addressing financial challenges stemming from escalated costs in maintenance, insurance, and employee expenses. Notably, TARC has not raised fares in 14 years, making these proposed changes essential for maintaining service quality and financial stability.
Proposed Fare Changes
- Standard Adult Fare: Increase of 50 cents per ride.
- Monthly Pass: Increase to $25.
Financial Challenges
Ozzy Gibson, TARC’s executive director, has underscored that the organization is “falling way behind” as a result of rising costs across various operational areas. For instance, the paratransit program alone incurs costs of around $20 million to maintain, a figure that is expected to rise as Louisville’s demographic shifts with an aging population. Gibson has advocated for regular fare evaluations, proposing revisions every two years to stay aligned with the evolving financial landscape.
Public Response and Meetings
Members of the public have voiced their concerns regarding the proposed fare increases, particularly about how these changes may adversely affect low-income families who depend on TARC services. In an effort to engage the community, TARC will host several public meetings to gather feedback and discuss the proposals. These meetings are scheduled for January 20, 21, 22, 27, and 29, offering both in-person and virtual attendance options. Final decisions regarding the fare adjustments will hinge on the feedback collected during these sessions and subsequent approval from TARC’s board of directors.
Background Context
In recent years, TARC has made significant strides to enhance service efficiency and reliability. Initiatives include the implementation of a new network system to streamline routes and schedules and the installation of upgraded digital communication equipment on buses, providing real-time tracking and better passenger information. Despite these improvements, TARC continues to grapple with financial hurdles, including a projected budget deficit of $30 million by 2027. This context explains the growing necessity for fare increases as a pathway to sustain and improve services.
Upcoming Public Meetings Schedule
- 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
For further information, interested parties can visit TARC’s official website or reach out to their customer service center.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the proposed fare increases for TARC services?
The proposed fare increases include a 50-cent rise in the standard adult fare per ride and an increase in the monthly pass to $25.
Why is TARC considering these fare increases?
TARC is considering these fare increases due to rising operational costs, including maintenance, insurance, and employee expenses, which have not been addressed in 14 years.
How can the public provide feedback on the proposed fare changes?
The public can provide feedback by attending the scheduled public meetings on January 20, 21, 22, 27, and 29, either in person or virtually via Zoom.
When will the final decision on fare increases be made?
The final decision on fare increases will be made after the public meetings and upon approval from TARC’s board of directors.
Where can I find more information about TARC’s services and fare changes?
More information can be found on TARC’s official website or by contacting their customer service center.
Key Features of the Proposed Fare Increases
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Standard Adult Fare Increase | 50-cent rise per ride |
| Monthly Pass Increase | Increase to $25 |
| Reason for Increase | Rising operational costs, including maintenance, insurance, and employee expenses |
| Last Fare Increase | 14 years ago |
| Public Meetings Schedule | January 20, 21, 22, 27, and 29; in-person and virtual options available |
| Final Decision | Pending public feedback and board approval |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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TARC Proposes Fare Increases in Louisville
