Last summer, TARC proposed several options for a rework of Louisville’s bus system. After a round of community feedback, the agency has released revised versions of these plans.
Louisville now has another two months to offer feedback on the proposals. Starting in May, TARC will use the feedback to finalize a proposal for the redesign, which could be implemented as early as summer 2026.
Last summer, there were three options for TARC’s future. Now, that has been narrowed to two immediate plans and two longer-term plans.
The Limited Plan
This is the most conservative of the proposals. It would drastically reduce service to a level TARC officials feel they can support with existing revenue.
- The Limited Plan has 29% less service than the current network.
- TARC considers this a last resort if no additional funding is identified.
- Lines are divided into 15-, 30-, and 60-minute frequencies.
The Limited Plan would result in a decrease in the average resident’s access to jobs by public transit, and reduce the number of residents who are within walking distance of public transit.
The Enhanced Plan
Under the Enhanced plan, there would still be a reduction in service. However, this plan maintains service to all JCPS magnet high schools + includes more 30-minute interval lines.
- The Enhanced Plan adds additional service during school start + end times.
- This plan would slightly increase the average resident’s access to jobs by public transit.
- TARC could fund the Enhanced Plan through 2030 with its current budget.
TARC Executive Director Ozzie Gibson said the Enhanced Plan would be better able to help supplement JCPS transit to magnet high schools.
“We don’t want to replace yellow buses, " Gibson said, “but if we can provide a safety net for kids and their parents, it will be an initial step to help the overall transportation issues in our community.”
Right now, TARC is deciding between the Limited Plan and the Enhanced Plan. The organization also released two long-term proposals, contingent on further revenue being secured.
The Growth Plan
This was one of the original plans proposed last summer, but it has been removed from consideration in the short-term. Should TARC see “significant new investment in transit,” it could implement a plan with increased service. It’s not possible under the current TARC budget, however.
The JCPS Plan
Building on the school-focused services in the Enhanced Plan, this proposal would provide morning and afternoon service to all JCPS high schools, plus additional service to Middletown + southern Jefferson County that don’t have lines under the current Enhanced Plan.
TARC is collecting feedback on all the proposed plans online, via email (TARC2025@RideTARC.org), and at community events. Check the calendar to find one in your neighborhood.
