TARC Public Hearings Set On Express Route Fare Increase

by Gabe BullardA series of public meetings will be held this week on proposed changes to Louisville bus services.To cut more than five million dollars from the budget for the next fiscal year, TARC officials first proposed eliminating 20 routes and reducing service on 17 others. Public opposition to that plan led to a revised proposal.The plan now calls for a one dollar fare increase on express routes, the elimination of 4 routes and changes to 17 others. TARC executive director Barry Barker says the plan could change again after this round of public input, but it's unlikely there will be any more dramatic revisions."What we're going to do is listen to what people have to say," he says. "Unfortunately, we've continued to work these options and we're down pretty close to where we've got to move on them."The TARC board will vote on the revised plan later this month. It will take effect this summer.The public hearings will be held:Monday, April 1211 a.m. -1 p.m. Metro Government Development Center, 444 S. 5th Street6-8 p.m. Southwest Government Center, 7219 Dixie HighwayTuesday, April 13 6-8 p.m. Jeffersonville (Ind.) Library, 211 East Court Ave.Wednesday, April 146-8 p.m.East End Government Center, 200 Juneau DrThursday, April 156-8 p.m.Oldham County Community Convention Center, 1551 N Hwy 393, Buckner