TARC3 Paratransit families impacted by price changes speak out against fare hike

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Days after TARC said it wants to raise the price to ride the bus, families share their concerns for the future.

Ashley Swafford and her husband are both blind and have two kids. They depend on TARC3 Paratransit, which is for those with disabilities.

"That's something that we have to do if we want to go out anywhere as a family, if we just want to go anywhere, we rely on TARC3 for about anything," Swafford said.

TARC is proposing a fare change for the first time since 2012. The new proposal would take TARC3 prices from $3.00 to $4.50.

"If you're gonna raise, why raise especially TARC3, a dollar and 50 cents, what is that gonna help?" Swafford said.

Lauren Allen is another parent who is visually impaired, and her husband is also blind. They have two kids and share the same sentiment Swafford does.

"The fare increase was a little steep. I think they could've increased it, but not by as much as they did," Allen said.

Allen and her family use TARC3 every day.

"They initially said increasing fares wouldn't do anything, so it was kind of a shock when it came out because we had heard for months and months increase of fares won't do anything," Allen said.

TARC officials said part of the reason for the increase is to make sure it's a long-term and sustainable transit service. TARC must also get feedback before the Board of Directors can consider a fare change.

For Swafford, the message she's sending to those officials is clear.

"Don't forget about paratransit," Swafford said. "It's highly important, families like mine depend on it, low-income families depend on it. The impact that it will cause to those low-income families is devastating."

TARC will hold public meetings about these fare changes. Here's a list of those dates, times and locations:

Tuesday, Jan. 20, 5–7 p.m. at Shively City Hall, 3920 Dixie Highway
Wednesday, Jan. 21, 5–7 p.m. at United Crescent Hill Ministries, 150 State St.
Thursday, Jan. 22, 5–6 p.m. via Zoom: link available here
Tuesday, Jan. 27, 12–1 p.m. via Zoom: link available here
Thursday, Jan. 29, 5–7 p.m. at Union Station, 1000 W. Broadway

Additionally, three meetings (chosen specifically for TARC paratransit accessibility) will be held:

Friday, Jan. 16, 6–7:30 p.m. (National Federation of the Blind) at St. Marks Episcopal, 2822 Frankfort Ave.
Tuesday, Jan. 20, 10–11 a.m. (TAAC Meeting) at Union Station, 1000 W. Broadway
Wednesday, Jan. 28, 12–1 p.m. at McDowell Center, 8412 Westport Road

Full list of recommended fare structure changes:

Fare Type	Current Rate	Recommended Rate
Adult Fare	$1.75	$2.25
Student Fare	$0.80	$1.00
Senior Citizens	$0.80	$1.00
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