TARC Schedules Public Meetings on Route Changes, Fare Increase

The Transit Authority of River City will hold a series of public meetings this week on proposed route changes and fare increases.TARC's revenue relies on the city occupational tax. As that's declined, fuel, healthcare and pension costs have gone up, leaving TARC with a $4.6 million shortfall. To close the gap, the authority has proposed a 25-cent fare increase, the elimination of nine express bus routes and changes to several other routes.TARC will hold six meetings, beginning Tuesday to gather public input on the proposed cuts. The authority is also taking comments that are e-mailed, called or reported in person until the close of business on Friday. Meeting times:Tuesday, May 15                                                               11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Metro Development Center 444 S. Fifth St.  1:30 - 5 p.m. TARC Headquarters Union Station 1000 W. Broadway                                                                                                                                                                 Wednesday, May 16                       11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Beargrass Christian Church 4100 Shelbyville Rd5 – 7 p.m Clarksville Town Hall 2000 Broadway Clarksville, INThursday, May 17              11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Metro Development Center 444 S. Fifth Street5 – 7 p.m. Iroquois Amphitheater 1080 Amphitheater Rd.The opportunity for public comment on the proposal lasts until 5 p.m. on Friday, May 18. In addition to commenting at the public meetings, concerned citizens can do so in the following ways:  Email: info@ridetarc.orgPhone: 502.561.5112Mail: TARC, Union Station, 1000 W. Broadway, Louisville, KY 40203Routes proposed for elimination:#37x – Iroquois-Fairdale Express#38x – Deering Road Express#45x – Okolona Express#49x – Westport Road Express#53x – Breckenridge Express#54x – Manslick Express#65x – Southern Indiana Express#68x – Prospect Express#73x – Charlestown Road Express#74 – Jeffersonville Park and RideRoutes with proposed service adjustments:#18 – Preston St.-Camp Taylor#22 – Twenty-Second Street#29 – Eastern Parkway#31 – Middletown#50x – Dixie Express#55 – Westport Road#71 – Jeffersonville#72 – Clarksville-New AlbanyNew proposed route:Route #82 would operate exclusively in Southern Indiana, linking New Albany, Jeffersonville and Clarksville.Proposed rate increases (current rate followed by proposed new rate), effective July 1:Adult Cash Fare:$1.50$1.75Student Ages 6-17:$.75$.80Senior Citizens:$.75$.80Citizens w/disabilities$.75$.80Circulators:$.50$.75TARC3:$2.50$3.00Monthly Pass:$42.00$50.00Express Passes:$80.00$85.00Express Fare:$2.50$2.7510-Ride Tickets:$12.50$15.00