TARC buses on Route 46 will pass through the Commerce Crossings business park in southern Jefferson County.(Courtesy of TARC)The price to ride the public bus in Louisville is set to increase for the first time in more than a decade.Starting March 2, an adult bus fare will cost $2.25, a 50-cent incre ase. Fares for students and senior citizens, as well as multi-day passes, will also increase. The price of a ride via the TARC3 paratransit service, which serves Louisvillians with disabilities, will increase from $3 to $4.50.The board of directors of the Transit Authority of River City approved the fare changes at its meeting on Tuesday.In a statement, board chair Abbie Gilbert said the step will help ensure TARC remains financially stable “for years to come.”“This step reflects a balance between keeping public transit affordable and making sure the system remains sustainable and reliable for the community,” Gilbert said.The board approved the fare changes after a public review process, including eight community meetings and an online feedback form. TARC also completed a Title VI equity analysis, which is required by federal law, to ensure minority and low-income customers wouldn’t be disproportionately impacted by the changes.The TARC fare increase will take effect March 2, 2026.(TARC / Provided )This is the first time since 2012 that TARC has sought to charge riders more.In addition to the fare changes, the bus company is also discontinuing its 10-trip passes, which it says were used by less than 1% of its customers.TARC officials have said the fare change alone is not going to solve the $30 million fiscal cliff the transit agency faces in the coming years, but it could help address rising costs. The agency has also announced route cuts, which will go into effect in August. ...read more read less