JCPS in conversations with TARC to offer alternatives if transportation limited next school year

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- If Jefferson County Public Schools cuts transportation for some students next year, families hope the district will have alternatives to help get kids to and from school.

One choice is using the Transit Authority of River City.

JCPS parent Cassie Kidd does not have a car, and said her daughter relies on a school bus to get to and from Fairdale High School where she is part of the Emergency Services magnet program.

"I'm just making sure we figure out something, just let us know what we need to do," said Kidd. "I'm trying to teach mine how to ride the TARC just in case."

The Jefferson County Board of Education is weighing its options for transportation next school year as it looks for a solution to issues that have plagued Louisville's public school system since the start of this school year.

The options: settle for the current status of students missing millions of instructional minutes, reduce number of bus stops by having some students be picked up from a central location or no longer provide transportation for some students.

The board is set to take the next month to decide on a new transportation plan for Jefferson County Public Schools, but the debate is just beginning.

The district said the third option, to no longer provide transportation for magnet and traditional schools, is the only one that will get them in a spot to have more drivers than routes next year. Right now, JCPS starts every school day with more routes than it has drivers.

However, before TARC becomes the next best option for some JCPS students, many hope TARC can make adjustments.

One concern is that not all bus stops are in close proximity to schools.

For example, Kidd's daughter's closest stop would be a 20 minute walk away from school.

JCPS said its having good conversations with TARC, which includes the possibility of adding more bus stops.

Another concern is student safety.

Board member Gail Logan Strange asked if JCPS could contract with TARC so only JCPS students ride the bus for certain routes and certain hours.

Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio said it is unlikely, given TARC also faces a driver shortage, and would be unable to cater to JCPS.

"This is not a shot at TARC, they’re doing the best they can with limited resources, but TARC has not been very well funded and leaves a lot to be desired, I can say as former bus rider," said Jefferson County Board of Education member Chris Kolb.

JCPS said it would be able to provide TARC passes for middle or high school students as needed.

The district hopes to have more details on how it could collaborate with TARC in March, the same month it expects the board to vote on a transportation plan for next school year.

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