LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – TARC is facing the loss of 50% of its services in 2025 due to budget cuts, so TARC officials are turning to the public to help decide what public transit should look like if cuts become necessary.

TARC had already announced a 20% cut in its operating budget in June. Three TARC routes were cancelled and 19 others saw drastic reductions in pickup times.

The cuts already made have disrupted the schedules of many passengers, but for those who are physically unable to drive, it means having to rethink their modes of transport in most areas of their lives.

For this reason, TARC representatives held a meeting with the National Federation of the Blind of Greater Louisville and the Greater Louisville Council of the Blind on Friday evening.

“TARC is facing significant financial challenges and will have to make some difficult decisions going forward about what we need to prioritize in our transit service,” said Alex Posorske, TARC’s director of marketing and communications. “This discussion absolutely cannot be had without community involvement, particularly those members of the community who will be most impacted by changes to the system.”

The potential cuts next year will impact Louisville residents like Ashley and Lonnie Swafford, both of whom are blind. They have a son at Wheeler Elementary and a daughter at Noe Middle School. Because JCPS cut transportation to their daughter’s school this year, they rely on TARC to get her there.

“If the TARC buses were taken away from us, we would no longer be able to take our children to and from school, because since the JCPS buses no longer transport our daughter, we have to take her to and from school this way,” Ashley said.

The couple is from other parts of Kentucky but moved to Louisville for better access to public transportation and more independence. If the 50 percent cut in services were to be implemented, their family and other people with disabilities would have to make drastic changes to their daily lives.

“This will change everything,” Lonnie said. “Where we shop, where we bank, where we go to the doctor. We chose our house because of its location on a bus route, and when these changes take effect next year, we will be living on our own little island.”

TARC is considering three concepts for public transit in the future. Two concepts are based on the assumption that TARC will reduce routes by 50%. The first concept would prioritize the most popular routes but eliminate service in other parts of the county. The second concept would keep all current routes but reduce the number of pickup times.

“I think a lot of us would say the first option is our biggest fear,” said resident Katie Adkins. “Right now, it looks like so many access options are going to be lost because in that scenario, a lot of people would probably lose access to TARC3 services as well. For disabled people, that’s really the only way to get around.”

A third concept would expand service throughout the region but would require additional operating funds of about $45 million per year from the city or state.

TARC is offering an online survey and has scheduled over 100 public meetings between August 1 and September 20. The feedback will be used to create a draft proposal for what public transit should look like, which will be released in January.

Community members are now taking their case to state lawmakers, urging them to find a way to provide more funding for public transportation for those who need it.

“For the disabled, the elderly, single mothers with children, or even people who no longer have access to their JCPS school bus, TARC services are essential,” Adkins said. “We need this money so people can get to work and school and actively participate in the life of their community like everyone else.”

Here you can learn more about the TARC 2025 concepts and take part in the online survey.

You will also find a calendar of TARC’s upcoming public meetings. If you would like to request a public meeting, you can email [email protected] or call 502-585-1234.

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