TARC (Transit Authority of River City)
Definition
Louisville’s public bus system, providing rides across its routes. Governed by independent authority, funded by Metro government, fares, and federal grants. Critical mobility tool for car-free residents.
Louisville Context
TARC serves riders who are predominantly low-income residents, seniors, people with disabilities, and students. Current challenges: infrequent service (30-60 minute waits), limited weekend/evening hours, and routes designed for suburbs not urban density. I improve TARC: (1) increase frequency on major routes to 15-minute service, (2) expand weekend/evening service, (3) real-time arrival information at all stops, (4) bus shelters with seating, (5) fare integration with bikeshare.
Why It Matters
Car ownership is expensive, and about 8% of Jefferson County households have no vehicle available (U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023 1-year, Table B25044). TARC provides mobility for work, healthcare, groceries. But infrequent service and poor conditions make riders wait in rain, miss connections, and lose jobs due to unreliable transit.
My Proposal
Invest in TARC improvements: increase frequency to 15-minute service on major routes, expand weekend/evening service, real-time arrival information, bus shelters with seating at all stops, and integrate fares with bikeshare.