TARC outlines three-service options amid $30 million operations shortfall; Jeffersontown at risk of reduced service

TARC officials told the Jeffersontown City Council that the agency faces an operating budget gap of roughly $30 million and is proposing a network redesign that prioritizes either broad coverage with low-frequency service, a ridership-focused network, or a middle-ground “enhanced” network. The agency said the redesign is intended to stabilize service while it pursues additional funding from local, regional and state partners.

Ida Kopic, TARC director of planning, said the agency’s operating hours have already fallen about 25% since spring 2024 and that the shortfall stems from pandemic-related ridership loss and rising costs. Kopic said TARC surveyed more than 2,800 respondents and that the agency’s board preliminarily endorsed allocating 70% of available service hours to “ridership” areas (higher-frequency corridors) and 30% to coverage areas. She described three implementation options: a limited network (largest service cuts, few crosstown connections), an enhanced network (smaller cuts, more crosstown service), and a growth network (high-frequency citywide — would require about $60 million more annually).

Council members asked how Jeffersontown would be affected. Kopic said current Jeffersontown service includes Route 40 and Circulator Route 75 (which serves industrial areas) and that Route 75 has “very low ridership.” She said reduced frequency on Route 40 lowered connections to 75, creating a domino effect. Under the limited network concept, Jeffersontown could lose substantial access (Kopic estimated as much as a 30–40% drop in reachable jobs and residents within a 60-minute transit trip); the enhanced network would preserve more access and include half-hour connections into Jeffersontown.

Kopic said TARC ran a short micromobility pilot (e-bike/scooter) in Jefferson Town and southern Indiana for six months; ridership and costs were low, and she said six months is too short to judge performance. She urged local leaders to provide input and to encourage public participation in TARC’s survey; she said the earliest any redesign could be implemented is summer 2026 pending board approval and funding. Kopic also said TARC lacks authority to levy new local taxes and must seek revenue changes through Metro Council and state channels.

Council members pressed for specifics on local funding requests and whether the city might be asked to contribute; Kopic said TARC will pursue multiple funding sources and build a coalition after the board finalizes recommendations. She left contact information and asked the council and residents to complete TARC’s online survey.