News Item #1603

On Aug. 2, the Transit Authority of River City (TARC) launched a redesigned network that cuts routes from 24 to 15 and bus stops from about 3,300 to about 1,400, while running buses more often on the busiest corridors (color-coded at 15, 30 and 60 minutes). Areas losing direct service include parts of the airport area, Middletown, Riverport, Outer Loop and Bardstown Road beyond Breckenridge. A new 11-bay downtown transfer hub at 8th Street and Muhammad Ali Boulevard uses timed "pulse" transfers. Executive Director Ozzy Gibson said the changes bring expenses in line with revenue and fix a network with too many low-ridership routes. Fares were free for the first two weeks.

Sources:

• WLKY: TARC cuts nearly 2,000 bus stops, several routes as it launches new Louisville network