Transportation Policy Committee elects chairman, vice-chairman

KIPDA's Transportation Policy Committee (TPC) has elected J. Byron Chapman , Mayor of Middletown and representative of the Jefferson County League of Cities (pictured to the right with 2008 chair Trish Fraser), as their new chairman for the committee for 2010. In addition, J. Barry Barker, executive director of the Transit Authority of River City, was elected vice-chairman.

Chapman and Barker previously served in these roles during the 2009 year. Chapman is also chairman of KIPDA's Board of Directors.

The TPC is s comprised of elected officials and transportation providers who make decisions for the agency. Their meeting are open to the public and include a public comment period.

Proposed Bullitt Co. TARC Route subject of open house

Bullitt County is working to develop a bus service, which will cost $200,000 a year. The service is the result of a task force, which includes residents and representatives from county government, local businesses, Bullitt County Public Schools, TARC, KIPDA and Louisville Wheels Transportation Inc.

The proposed bus service, which at first will include one large handicap-accessible van, is expected to start in March and will make six stops throughout Bullitt and four stops in Louisville.
TARC has one express route that travels through four sites in Mount Washington and Shepherdsville, one in southeast Louisville and four in downtown Louisville. It has roughly 100 boardings per day, but service is limited to the early morning and evening hours.

The proposed fare is $2 one way, $4 round trip. To compare, TARC charges $1.50 one way.
The proposed route makes three round trips daily between 7:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. and stops at these locations:

• Oakbrooke Circle and Ky. 44 at Lloyd Lane in Mount Washington
• Market Place Drive in Pioneer Village
• Walmart on Standiford Plaza Drive near Hillview
• Kroger on Adam Shepherd Parkway
• Jefferson Community and Technical College's campus on Buffalo Run Road in Shepherdsville

Residents can view the route and share concerns with officials at an open house Jan. 28.
at 7 p.m. at the Paroquet Springs Conference Centre, 395 Paroquet Springs Drive. Residents will be able to view the proposed route, schedule and discuss concerns with officials.

For more information, call Judge-Executive Melanie Robert's office at (502) 543-2262.

TARC, That's the Way I Roll

Check out this new TARC video, which features some of the TARC staff:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVecMN5WoJE

Snow is coming. Make sure you are ready!

The projected weather for tomorrow and Friday indicates we could have some tough road conditions due to the snow storm.

• Road condition reports for major routes in Kentucky are available by calling 511 or by visiting the 511 travel and traffic information web site at http://511.ky.gov/. Conditions are described in the following manner:
  
  


• Wet Pavement – The roadway is wet. Ice could form as the temperature drops.


• Partly Covered – The roadway is partly covered with snow, slush or ice. Markings may be obscured.


• Mostly Covered – The roadway is mostly covered with snow, slush, or ice. Roadway markers may be difficult to see because of packed snow and rutting conditions.


• Completely Covered – The roadway is completely covered with snow, slush, or ice. Markings are obscured.Impassable – Roadway conditions are not suitable for travel unless required by an emergency.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet provides the most descriptive and up-to-date information for motorists so they will know what to expect prior to a trip. Drivers are also reminded that bridges and overpasses are typically the most treacherous under wintry conditions. Motorists should always use extra caution when traveling during inclement weather.

Driver safety tips before, and during, the snow and ice season:

• Make sure your vehicle is sufficiently winterized – check the battery, antifreeze level, heater, defroster, wipers, and windshield washers.


• Dress warmly for the weather – dress in layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing, in anticipation of unexpected winter weather emergencies.


• Try to keep your gas tank at least two-thirds full to prevent fuel line freezing and to prepare for possible lengthy delays on the roadway.


• Make sure a friend or relative is aware of your travel route. Carry a cell phone.


• Make sure your vehicle has an emergency care kit. The kit should include jumper cables, flares or reflectors, windshield washer fluid, an ice scraper, blankets, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, and traction material.


• Give a wide berth to snow removal equipment.


• Check the forecast and call 511 before you leave. If conditions are dangerous, avoid travel, unless it's absolutely necessary.