Big changes are coming to TARC in August 2026!
The New TARC Network will bring big changes to where TARC buses go and how often they come. In areas with high demand, TARC service will be more frequent and reliable. In some areas with low demand, there will be less service or no service at all.
No major changes are planned before August 2026. But it’s important for TARC riders to understand how the TARC network will change.
Review the final Recommended Networks report.
How did we get here?
The New TARC Network was developed as a result of the comprehensive TARC 2025 process that gathered feedback from over 300 community meetings, events, and workshops.
TARC 2025 was launched because TARC has faced major financial challenges recently, including projections of a multimillion-dollar fiscal cliff if changes were not made.
Better service for TARC customers
The New TARC Network will rely upon a new downtown transfer center to allow for convenient timed transfers between routes a “pulse” system.
The new network increases the number of jobs accessible by transit by 5 percent. All JCPS magnet high schools will be served.
The new network will provide more useful, frequent service on key corridors like Broadway/Bardstown, Preston Highway, Fourth Street, Dixie Highway, and Market/Frankfort.
Changes to the network
Service for many lower ridership corridors in Middletown, Jeffersontown, parts of south and southwest Jefferson County, and other areas will be reduced or discontinued.
Most TARC customers will see faster, more reliable service and will be able to access the bus at their current stop or one very close by. Some customers will have to walk a little bit further to get to the bus.
All customers will need to learn the new numbering system and map. But once they learn the system it will be much simpler and more useful for the average rider.
Why is TARC changing?
Existing local and state dollars for transit are not enough to pay for current levels of service. In June of 2024 TARC began working directly with the community to create an updated transit network that would best meet Louisville’s priorities and needs within the reality of the money that’s available to the agency. TARC presented options and gathered feedback from over 300 community meetings, events and workshops; the New TARC Network is the result of that process.
What does this mean for me?
Most TARC customers will see faster, more reliable service and will be able to access the bus at their current stop or one very close by. Downtown transfers will be faster and smoother, thanks to a new time transfer or “pulse” system. Some customers will have to walk a little bit further to get to the bus, some will see reduced service, and a few will no longer have service. All customers will need to learn the new numbering system and map which will be much simpler and more useful for the average rider.
What’s next?
TARC plans to implement the New TARC Network in August 2026. No major service changes are planned before then as the TARC team works behind the scenes to prepare for the introduction of the new network. TARC will launch an extensive public education effort next year to help customers learn the new system before it starts. In the coming months, more specific information about schedules, changes to bus stop locations, and trip planning will be available as well.
Explore the New TARC Network
Click here to download countywide map.
Click here to download Inside the Watterson map.
Click here to download the downtown routing map.
Spring 2025 bus network
Red lines arrive every 15 minutes, blue lines arrive every 30 minutes, green lines arrive every 60 minutes, gold lines are limited service or peak-only trips
2025 Outcomes
Access to jobs had been reduced over two rounds of service cuts
Access to frequent transit had declined by 29% over two rounds of service cuts
Spread out network makes timed transfers more difficult
JCPS Magnet high schools served, but with less frequent service
New TARC Network (August 2026 implementation)
Red lines arrive every 15 minutes, blue lines arrive every 30 minutes, green lines arrive every 60 minutes, gold lines are limited service or peak-only trips
New TARC Network Outcomes
People’s access to jobs on average would improve by 5%, despite a 12% service cut.
About 97% of existing boardings are still
within ½ mile of service.
Downtown pulsing system will allow for timed transfers and less wait at downtown transfer area
All JCPS Magnet High Schools served with regular service during AM and PM bell times
Information on the TARC 2025 network redesign process can be found here.