TARC to hold several listening sessions for input on proposed route maps

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Unless TARC comes across a lot more money soon, they will have to cut even more routes. The transit system is asking their riders to speak up on what routes are important.

TARC has a couple of concept maps on which routes will remain or get cut. The maps are a starting point and not set in stone.

TARC is holding hundreds of public and private meetings over the next several months. This is the time for people to speak up.

“Ugly. Very ugly. I used to get to work 15 minutes early. Man, now I get to work an hour late," TARC rider John Reckem said as he stood along Dixie Highway waiting for bus 10 to take him home from the grocery store.

Reckem said he has been riding TARC for almost 30 years, and is ready for some serious changes for the better and his suggestion is better communication

“Listen to the people who ain't in the meeting like these bus drivers," Reckem said. "They hear what people are saying on the bus right, you know, and these people ain't attending the meeting, but these are the people that is missing work or, you know, schools is getting ready to start. A lot of the kids is going to be caught in the crossfire, and it's just a mess when they could have just did better pushing it forward.”

The listening sessions come after TARC cut frequency to 19 routes and eliminated three altogether earlier this summer.

The first of what is supposed to be hundreds of public meetings was held in a downtown ice cream shop Thursday. Three proposed conceptual maps were set up for people to view them. And TARC wants to make it very clear that the maps are in a work in progress.

“Because again, they're just ideas," Alex Posorske, TARC Director of Marketing and Communications, said. "But what do you like? What don't you like about each. We're going to use that feedback to bring to the board. And then the board of TARC is going to give direction moving forward for what the actual draft plan will have."

Of the two concepts, one will have fewer routes but more riders. The other has more routes with less frequent stops.

Reckem said he will most certainly attend one of the public meetings, if he can spare the time, and if the bus takes him close to the meeting.

“I would tell them nothing like it is ever a smooth transition, but they can do better,” Reckem said.

Reckem waited a good 20 minutes for his bus to arrive. It was just a few minutes late, but still late nonetheless, and he dodged the rain and waited patiently. The same way he has for 30 years.

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