Bus
Ride TARC
The Center for Climate and Energy Solutions reports that by taking public transport instead of driving, you can save more than $9,738 per year. Not only can TARC save you a ton of money, but it is one of the easiest ways to get around Louisville. With a swipe of your UofL ID, you can ride the TARC wherever you want, whenever you want, at no cost to you! The TARC has 30 bus routes with 3,846 stops. The fastest TARC routes are on the weekdays, but they have weekend routes as well.
A survey of the campus population found the following locations to be most frequented by students. The best TARC route to take you there from the centrally located Ekstrom Library is listed below!
Click on the links below to get directions!
Don’t see your favorite spot here? Download the Transit app to see every single bus route available to you, wherever you download apps. No mobile device? TARC has a free to use website as well.
You can also sign up for rider alerts on the TARC website, so you are aware if an emergency happens like a route being out of service that day!
How to Ride the TARC
Plan your trip through this Car Free Guide, Google Maps, ridetarc.org, or the Transit app.
Locate the correct bus stop and wait for the bus to arrive. Be sure to check the number on the front of the bus and its direction.
Each TARC stop should have a sign that lists which routes go through that stop and whether that bus has a bike rack. See the image to the left.
Swipe your UofL ID on the bus's card scanner. It is the big stainless steel box right next to the bus driver. Swipe by putting the black strip on your card in the scanner and ensure the red side faces you.
Sit in an open seat or stand using a grab bar or loop if all seats are taken.
Note: If you are considered able-bodied, please pay attention to where you sit and exercise courtesy if you choose an accessible seat.
Pay attention to the stops and locations you pass. The bus can stop at any TARC stop along its route.
The Transit app highlights the route you are on (in blue), and the little bubbles along the highlighted route are the stops at which you can get off. This is also seen on Google Maps. The Transit app will alert you when you are approaching your stop.
When approaching your stop, pull the yellow cord strung around the bus. This indicates to the bus driver that you want to disembark at the next stop. A sign at the front of the bus will activate and read “stop requested” in red letters.
As the bus comes to a stop, prepare to exit out of the door in the middle of the bus. Do not exit through the front of the bus. Don't forget your belongings!