News

Two Weeks Out: The New TARC Network Launches August 2

July 21, 2026

Fare-free rides, online Comparative Trip Planner, and ambassador support help Metro Louisville get ready for TARC’s network redesign.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (July 20, 2026) — In just over two weeks, Louisville’s public transit system will look different, and the Transit Authority of River City (TARC) wants every rider ready for what’s coming. On August 2, 2026, TARC launches the New TARC Network, a redesign of Metro Louisville’s bus system featuring consolidated, simpler routes, more frequent service on major corridors, and a new Downtown Transfer Center.

“This is a big change, and we know that,” said Ozzy Gibson, Executive Director of TARC. “We want every rider to feel confident about what’s coming on August 2: where their bus is, when it’s coming, if their pickup or dropoff stop has changed, and how to get where they need to go. That’s why we’re offering free rides for the first two weeks, why we’ll have ambassadors out on buses and at stops, and why we’ve built tools to help people plan their new trip today. We’re here and we’re ready to help.”

Ride Fare-Free August 2 Through August 16

To help riders learn the new system, TARC is offering free rides on all fixed-route and TARC3 paratransit service for the first two weeks, August 2 through August 16.

What’s New with the Network

The New TARC Network brings simpler, more frequent service to the corridors Louisville riders use most:

· More frequent service: Five routes will run every 15 minutes on weekdays — Routes #1, #3, #4, and #10 join Route #94 on the frequent network, covering Broadway, Bardstown Road, Preston Highway, 4th Street, Dixie Highway, and Market Street.

· New Downtown Transfer Center: Located at Muhammad Ali Boulevard and 8th Street, the temporary transfer center features on-street bus bays, shelters, and customer wayfinding information, connecting riders between routes in just five to 10 minutes.

· Broader reach: The new network brings frequent service to 35,000 additional Louisville residents and increases jobs reachable within 45 minutes by 5 percent.

· All 10 JCPS magnet high schools served.

· New bus stop signs color-coded by frequency, with routes and corridors served, and Stop ID numbers for real-time arrival information.

TARC Ambassadors on Hand Leading Up to and Through Launch

TARC ambassadors are already out at major stops across the system and will remain on buses and at stops throughout the launch period to help riders navigate the changes. If someone boards the wrong bus or needs help finding their new route, ambassadors will be there to educate and assist. Non-revenue vehicles will also be on standby to respond to any issues on the ground. For additional help, riders can call TARC customer service at 502-585-1234. Call center staffing and hours will be expanded around the launch to ensure live answers are available quickly.

How to Ride the New TARC Network

TARC’s New Network webpage, ridetarc.org/new, has everything riders need to learn about all the changes, including:

· Comparative Trip Planner — Enter your current trip to see exactly how it changes in the new network, including new route numbers and updated stop locations.

· Route maps and schedules — Full maps and schedules for every new route, effective August 2.

· Route Comparison Table — A side-by-side chart showing current routes and their New TARC Network equivalents.

· Bus stop change information — Search changes at specific stops across the system.

Riders are encouraged to visit ridetarc.org/new now to plan their trip and learn their new rou