TARC riders in Louisville express concerns over proposed fare increases

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The Transit Authority of the River City is considering increasing fare prices for the first time since 2012.

The current fare for adults is $1.75, and the recommended change is $2.25, a 50-cent increase.

"When I started catching the bus, it was about 75 cents, then it went from 75 to $1 to $1.25, now it's $1.75," said Tevin Thompson, who rides TARC every day to and from work. "If you going to and from work, that's two different purchases. And then you want to go somewhere else afterward, it's the same thing. That's a lot of money to do that daily. Even five days a week, that's at least $20-30 dollars."

Under the proposed increase, a seven-day pass would go from $15 to $25.

TARC will hold public meetings about the proposed changes. Officials said it's part of the system's ongoing efforts to ensure a long-term and sustainable transit service, something TARC rider Barbara Allen is on board with.

"That's not a lot of money, and if the economy needs that, then everybody should pull together and go ahead and pitch in," Allen said. "That's what I think."

She believes the increase could make the system better,.

"I think things will start to go smoother in the area," Allen said.

Here's a full list of the proposed changes:

Fare Type	Current Rate	Recommended Rate
Adult Fare	$1.75	$2.25
Student Fare	$0.80	$1.25
Senior Citizens	$0.80	$1.25
24-Hour Pass	$3.50	$5.00
7-Day Pass	$15.00	$25.00
30-Day Pass	$50.00	$75.00
Summer Youth Pass	$30.00	$45.00
TARC3 Paratransit	$3.00	$4.50