Join us at our next monthly campaign meeting on Tuesday, October 15 at 7pm (900 S. Shelby St.)!
The working class has been continuously denied freedom of movement that enriches their lives and livelihoods. As socialists, we hope to help change that.
For far too long, Louisville leaders have not prioritized public transportation. The current funding model for the Transit Authority of River City (TARC) implemented in 1974 is archaic and insufficient. TARC needs adequate and consistent funding to make it a reliable and effective service for its riders, many of whom are going to work or school. Louisville Metro residents need and deserve more.
WE DEMAND THAT THE MAYOR’S OFFICE AND LOUISVILLE METRO COUNCIL “GET ON THE BUS” AND PERMANENTLY ADD FUNDING FOR TARC TO THE CITY BUDGET.
THE CHALLENGES RIDERS FACE
TARC riders—primarily working class and people of color—are experiencing service cuts and delays, waiting at uncovered, poorly marked stops for buses (if they show up at all!) with outdated technology and inadequate accessibility.
ROUTE AND SERVICE CUTS
INADEQUATE ACCESSIBILITY
BUS DELAYS
AND NO SHOWS
INFERIOR
BUS STOPS
the future of tarc
Using the objectives laid out in TARC’s 2040 Long Range Plan as a road map, permanently adding funding for TARC to the city budget would:
IMPROVE WORKER PAY, BENEFITS, AND TRAINING
TARC Drivers are overworked and underpaid, and need better training to make buses safer and more reliable—what’s good for TARC drivers is good for TARC riders.
ELIMINATE BUS “GHOSTING” AND DELAYS
Recent service cuts have punished working class riders who rely on public transit the most—let's reverse those cuts to eliminate bus no-shows and delays.
INCREASE FREQUENCY AND EXPAND SERVICE
Increasing bus frequency to every 15 minutes, lengthening hours of operation, and expanding rapid transit is essential to inviting new riders on board.
IMPROVE BUS SHELTERS AND SIGNAGE
TARC should be easier to use and rely upon, for current and future riders and that requires covered stops with larger, updated signage and maps.
HELP PRIORITIZE ACCESSIBILITY AT EVERY TURN
Creating a public transit system that is accessible to ALL means making routes, buses, and stops ADA-compliant in every way possible.
REQUIRE IMPLEMENTING “BEST-IN-CLASS” TECHNOLOGY
Keeping up with industry standards that ensure a consistent commuting experience for riders is key—tap & pay payment is just the beginning.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
STAY INFORMED
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ABOUT THE “GET ON THE BUS” CAMPAIGN
The “Get On The Bus” campaign (GOTB) is a joint effort of the Louisville chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (LDSA), in close coordination with ATU local 1447, to apply sustained pressure on Louisville Metro Council and the Mayor's office to make good on their promises to prioritize public transit, as outlined in Mayor Greenberg’s 2023 Economic Development Strategic Plan, TARC’s Long Range Plan 2022, and Louisville Metro’s Plan 2040.