TARC Board Approves First Fare Increase Since 2012, With New Prices Starting March 2, 2026
New TARC fares begin March 2 after board vote
Louisville-area riders will pay higher Transit Authority of River City (TARC) fares starting Monday, March 2, 2026, after the agency’s board approved a revised fare schedule. The change follows a multi-step public process that included eight public meetings, written and online feedback, and a federally required Title VI equity review tied to major service planning now underway.
TARC framed the fare action as part of a broader financial sustainability plan as the agency prepares to roll out the New TARC Network on August 2, 2026. The review and proposed fare structure were presented publicly in January as the first systemwide fare adjustment effort since 2012.
What will change: new base fares and pass prices
The board-approved structure increases both single-ride fares and multi-day passes. The most widely used full adult fare will rise from $1.75 to $2.25. Reduced fares for students and for seniors will rise from $0.80 to $1.00. TARC’s paratransit service, TARC3, will increase from $3.00 to $4.50.
- Adult fare: $1.75 → $2.25
- Student fare: $0.80 → $1.00
- Senior fare: $0.80 → $1.00
- 24-hour pass: $3.50 → $5.00
- 7-day pass: $15.00 → $25.00
- 30-day pass: $50.00 → $75.00
- Summer Youth Pass: $30.00 → $45.00
- TARC3 paratransit: $3.00 → $4.50
Transition details for riders using MyTARC and TARC3
TARC has said that passes already loaded onto MyTARC fare media will continue to function under the same system after the price change takes effect. For paratransit riders, TARC has also set a transition date for older fare products: older TARC3 tickets will no longer be accepted beginning May 3, 2026.
How the agency positioned the decision
The board’s approval followed public review, collection of rider input, and an equity analysis required under federal civil-rights rules for transit fare and service changes.
In describing the rationale, TARC leadership has emphasized revenue stability and service reliability goals. The fare action also comes as the agency plans major operational changes with the New TARC Network, which is scheduled to launch August 2, 2026, and is being evaluated through a Title VI framework focused on potential impacts to minority and low-income riders.
The new fare schedule takes effect March 2, 2026.