LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Dozens of TARC workers protested the agency's budget cuts mid-afternoon on Wednesday at Jefferson Square Park.

Starting at noon, TARC employees made sure those driving through downtown Louisville knew exactly what they were protesting for: Public Transit Funding.

In the heart of downtown Louisville, TARC employees made sure their voices were heard.

"Fund public transit! Fund public transit," Freda Withers, who is a TARC driver, said. "We need money to keep transit moving throughout the city."

She showed up to advocate for the families who rely on TARC to get their groceries and medications.

"Public transportation moves the city," Withers said.

TARC Board of Directors recently passed a budget that would reduce services next year.

"The hour difference delays -- it's going to hurt the public, more than us," Tiffany Summers, who has been a TARC employee for a few years, said.

The union representing drivers said the budget also eliminates 60 to 80 jobs and would strand families.

"It means food on the table. It means a lot," Summers said.

Wednesday's May Day rally, against the cuts, turned heads. 

"You cannot talk about entertainment you cannot talk about education here in Louisville or any other city without addressing the transportation issue," Lilian Brents, ATU Local 1447 President, said.

Workers called on the city and the state to provide funding to help avoid service cuts and layoffs. The union said that would take about $14 million.

Louisville Metro Council President Markus Winkler said in a statement to WDRB the TARC board presented a budget that deals with the realities of their financial situation.

"It is not an option. It is a necessity," Brents, said.  

"There's no reason why we shouldn't be providing -- if we're a big city like we keep claiming we are and with the Derby right here and this weekend, a worldwide premier sporting event. We should do better job of moving our citizens around with public transportation," Dale Warren, a former JCPS teacher, said.

Warren knows plenty of parents and students who need TARC to get to school.

Previously, the mayor in agreement with JCPS Superintendent Marty Pollio suggested impacted TARC drivers drive for JCPS next school year.

"They're very concerned about it because a lot of us don't even have an automobile," Warren, said. "So it's a real burden."

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TARC workers held a Hold May Day Rally on May 1, 2024, to protest the agency's budget cuts. (WDRB photo

On Wednesday, TARC's Director of Marketing and Communications Alex Posorske said it's their priority to protect good paying jobs and reliable and effective transit service for all Louisvillians.

TARC also said it continues to have productive conversations with the union and elected leaders about the best way to move forward.

On Wednesday, the Office of Mayor Craig Greenberg provided a statement.

"Louisville depends on TARC and the bus drivers who make this essential transportation service possible and the TARC Board, my administration and community leaders are working hard to find solutions to the current financial crisis the agency faces as America Rescue Plan funding comes to an end."

Two council members showed up in support of the workers: Councilman Ben Reno Weber and Councilman Jecorey Arthur.

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