TARC Bus Service Cuts Bring Tears to Louisville Riders
TARC Bus Service Cuts Bring Tears to Louisville Riders
Louisville, Ky. – The Transit Authority of River City (TARC) is set to make significant cuts to its bus service starting Sunday, leaving many riders in Louisville feeling the impact of the changes. One man, Michael McLemore, was brought to tears as he waited for a bus, realizing how much harder it will be for him and others to catch a ride.
McLemore, a regular TARC bus rider, expressed his concerns about the upcoming service reductions. “It’s going to be tougher for every single person out here,” he said. With fewer bus drivers and longer wait times expected, riders like McLemore will face challenges in accessing the transportation they rely on.
The cuts will affect about 20 routes, with reductions in weekday service while maintaining current hours on weekends. TARC spokesperson Alex Posorske cited a loss of federal COVID relief funding and insufficient state funding as reasons for the service cuts. Without additional revenue sources, TARC may have to make further cuts in the future.
For riders like McLemore, the changes feel personal and impactful. “It does feel like a slap in the face. I’m already out here struggling,” he said. Despite the challenges ahead, TARC is launching a planning process called TARC 2025 to gather community input on the future of the bus service.
As Louisville residents brace for the upcoming changes, the importance of public transportation as a lifeline for many in the community is highlighted. The future of TARC and its services lies in the hands of local government officials, but for riders like McLemore, the impact of the cuts is already being felt.
