Mass Transit (Lexington, Louisville, Frankfort: costs, bus, authority)

[Jdfess6]

I know Louisville has a good bus system but does the Mayor have any plans for a light-rail system or anything of that sort?

[stx12499]

Originally Posted by Jdfess6

I know Louisville has a good bus system but does the Mayor have any plans for a light-rail system or anything of that sort?

There was one in the past, but very sadly it was dropped.

TARC: Frequently Asked Questions

What Happened to Light Rail?
The Light Rail project began with a Major Investment Study in 1996. After initial studies and analysis, rapid transit was prioritized over other alternatives and the locally preferred South Central Corridor was selected. The project entered into the Federal New Starts Program, and it was approved as a project in Horizon 2030, the region’s long-range transportation plan. The project then moved into Preliminary Engineering after the FTA issued a ‘recommended’ rating and the draft environmental impact statement was completed. In 2004 – 2006, the FTA implied that the movement into Final Design was not possible without a secured local match and the Draft Environmental Statement was not released for public review. At this point, TARC withdrew the Transportation Tomorrow project from New Starts program due to the inability to secure local funding.

Unfortunately this is a clear lack in local leadership, which is one of the main downsides of the city...

[KY Jan]

There is a grassroots organization here in Louisville that has been advocating for public transportation improvements since 1992 - from more funding for TARC (bus) to high speed rail and light rail. Sadly there are many obstacles and little support from those who make the decisions. Check out the CART website cartky.org | transportation news from outside the box and join! Nothing like organizing!

[stx12499]

Originally Posted by KY Jan

There is a grassroots organization here in Louisville that has been advocating for public transportation improvements since 1992 - from more funding for TARC (bus) to high speed rail and light rail. Sadly there are many obstacles and little support from those who make the decisions. Check out the CART website cartky.org | transportation news from outside the box and join! Nothing like organizing!

Very interesting stuff, JAN. When will the commuter trip take place?

Also, this is appaling if true:


Dear Senator McConnell,
The appropriations committee has passed the FY 09 spending bill for Transportation and HUD. Thanks to you there were over $9 million in earmarks for public transit in Kentucky:

$1.0m Frankfort Transit
$1.2m Murray-Calloway County Transit
$2.5m Paducah Area Transit
$3.1m Transit Authority of Lexington
$1.5m Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky (with Sen. Bunning)
First, a comment: Thank you! With gas costs spiraling upwards, we need good transit like never before. This money will go a long way towards mobility for the people of Kentucky.

Second, a question: Prominently missing from the list was TARC in Louisville. TARC recently had a $4m budget shortfall forcing fare hikes and service cuts. What was the rationale on excluding Louisville from the list of earmarked cities?

Sincerely,
David Morse
Louisville KY

[garrettbernard]

I was wondering if there was a grassroots community of some sort pushing for a rail option. It has actually taken me a couple of days to find this... the website is a little bleak, but I do like the idea. Good luck to you raising money for the train to E-town!