Louisville Metro Council members ask for state assistance amid long waits at West end's licensing office

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A Louisville Metro Council member asked for the state of Kentucky to help decrease long lines at the Driver Licensing Regional Office on Broadway in the city's West end.

The Nia Center has had a long line of people waiting to get a new driver's license. Last week, the line extended to the second floor of the building. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet said when it is fully staffed, there are nine employees. However, KYTC said it is in the process of filling three more spots.

Councilor Tammy Hawkins (D-1) contacted Gov. Andy Beshear's office after visiting the driver licensing office last week. She met a woman who had been standing in line for two hours waiting to get an ID.

"I walked all the way through and saw seniors, all age people standing in line with no seating," Hawkins said. "We have to be proactive, we have to think about if it would be our mothers and our fathers, grandparents, everybody needs an ID. We don't think about the underprivileged."

Hawkins said Beshear's office promised to clear up the long wait times.

KYTC said in a statement Monday:

"Our goal is to serve Kentuckians' licensing needs, focusing on offering a quality experience at all of our offices. To help with line management, we have deployed additional staff to support operations as we fill three recently vacant staff positions at the Nia Center. We are also exploring options to improve seating for those who require in-person service. Kentuckians are encouraged to schedule appointments online or to renew online or by mail whenever possible. The Nia Center is one of four regional offices in Jefferson County and one of 32 locations statewide that Kentuckians can visit, regardless of where they live."

Councilor Jecorey Arthur (I-4) wants to see improvement at the facility.

"Our office has not heard any complaints from people who go in here and use this facility," Arthur said. "What that tells me is our people have accepted and almost expected disrespect. But we aren't with that."

To schedule an appointment at a regional office, or for more information about renewing your license, click here.

The KYTC Driver Licensing Office in the Nia Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Nia Center is located at 2900 West Broadway in Louisville, at the corner of 29th Street.

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