TARC hearings focus on express route fare increases

The Transit Authority of River City (TARC) is seeking public input on a proposal to raise the fare on TARC’s 16 express routes from $1.50 to $2.50.

The $1 surcharge on express service was suggested by riders at public meetings in early March as a way to save the 13 express routes that were slated for elimination. The fare increase will allow TARC to keep its popular express service and help make up a projected $5.5 million shortfall. It is expected that the express routes will also see some reductions in the number of runs.

TARC has scheduled public meetings for April 12-15 (see schedule below). Those wishing to comment can also email comments to info@ridetarc.org or call 561-5112.

Express routes are those that generally travel a longer distance, have fewer stops and run only in the morning and afternoon commute periods. The affected routes go to Oldham, Bullitt, southern Indiana and the suburban areas of Jefferson County. A list of all routes is available on the TARC website at www.ridetarc.org.

Because of reduced revenues from the local occupational tax, TARC is proceeding with other cuts, including the elimination of four routes and cutbacks on 16 others. Those changes, which were the subject of public hearings March 9-11, are expected to save about $2.5 million annually and will take effect on June 6.

The public hearings on the express fare increase are as follows:

Monday, April 12
11 a.m. -1 p.m. at the Metro Government Development Center, 444 S. 5th Street
6-8 p.m. at the Southwest Government Center, 7219 Dixie Highway

Tuesday, April 13
6-8 p.m. at the Jeffersonville (Ind.) Library, 211 East Court Ave.

Wednesday, April 14
6-8 p.m. at the East End Government Center, 200 Juneau Drive

Thursday, April 15
6-8 p.m. at the Oldham County Community Convention Center, 1551 N Hwy 393 in Buckner.

For more information, call 585-1234.