TARC prepares to welcome back employees as gradual reopening begins

The Transit Authority of River City (TARC) is preparing to bring back employees as the region begins to gradually reopen with public health restrictions still 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.

“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.

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.

“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 says it 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 more than $221 million. Prior to COVID-19, TARC says it moved 41,000 passengers each day; current ridership due to COVID-19 is down by nearly 70 percent.