TARC Preparing to Welcome Back Employees as Gradual Reopening Begins

May 19, 2021

Although TARC is continuing to limit ridership to essential service only, the agency announced today that it is preparing to bring back employees as the region begins to gradually reopen, with public health restrictions in place.

Beginning June 1, TARC will bring back about 20 employees a week, with the expectation that all coach operators will be back to work by early July. The employees had been laid off since March, due to the decline in ridership caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. As ridership demand returns, so will service.

As they are brought back to work, all drivers will undergo additional training, with a focus on customer service, safety protocols, CDC guidelines, and best measures to protect TARC passengers and fellow team members.

“A lot has changed since March. We want to ensure all of our team members are on the same page and understand new safety practices in place and what is expected of them as we gradually reopen the city, and our service,” said Laura Douglas, TARC Co-Executive Director.

“We are ready. As the city monitors pandemic numbers and works through the safest way to reopen, TARC will support these steps and work toward returning our crucial service to the full community,” said Margaret Handmaker, TARC Co-Executive Director.

TARC looks forward to resuming its job connecting the Greater Louisville workforce to places of employment (63 percent of all TARC trips are to work), and contributing to an annual economic impact of over $221 million. Prior to COVID-19, TARC moved 41,000 passengers each day; current ridership due to COVID-19 is down by nearly 70 percent.

Reminder: TARC ridership at this time remains limited to “essential service only.” Those who are not designated as essential workers are encouraged to avoid traveling on TARC during peak travel times of 6 to 9 a.m., and 2 to 6 p.m.

In a continued effort to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, TARC is working in close partnership with local, state, and national offices. All fixed-route buses and TARC3 vehicles are cleaned and sanitized daily in accordance with CDC guidelines.