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TARC waives fares for Louisville voters on Election Day

TARC waives fares for Louisville voters on Election Day

Rule Changes Louisville, KY local

TARC waived fares on all fixed-route buses and paratransit on Nov. 3, continuing a service it has offered since 2020.

November 3rd, 2026: Election Day: TARC fares waived

Overview

Updated Nov 2

TARC waived fares on all fixed-route buses and TARC3 paratransit on Election Day, Nov. 3. The agency has offered free rides on every primary and general election day since 2020.

The waiver gave Jefferson County voters a free way to reach the polls. Lyft also offered 50% off rides up to $10 with code VOTE26, and Kentuckians for the Commonwealth ran a sign-up form for free rides.

Why it matters

For voters who rely on public transit, a free bus ride can be the difference between casting a ballot and staying home.

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Key Indicators

0
TARC fare on Election Day
All fixed-route and paratransit rides were free on Nov. 3, 2026.
2020
Free rides since
TARC has waived fares on every primary and general election day since 2020.
50%
Lyft discount
Up to $10 off a ride to the polls with code VOTE26.

Voices

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People Involved

David Yates
David Yates
Jefferson County Clerk and Chair of the Board of Elections
Incumbent

Organizations Involved

Transit Authority of River City
Transit Authority of River City
Transit agency
Offered fare-free rides on Election Day, Nov. 3.

The Transit Authority of River City provides public bus and paratransit service in the Louisville area.

Timeline

2020 November 2026

4 events Latest: November 3rd, 2026 · 1 week ago
Tap a bar to jump to that date

  1. Election Day: TARC fares waived

    Latest Event

    All TARC fixed-route and paratransit rides are free for voters going to the polls.

  2. LPM publishes voter ride guide

    Media

    Louisville Public Media reminds voters of free TARC rides and other transportation options.

  3. TARC announces free rides for Nov. 3

    Announcement

    TARC confirms it will waive fares on all routes and paratransit for the general election.

  4. TARC starts free Election Day rides

    Policy

    TARC begins offering fare-free rides on every primary and general election day.

Scenarios

1

TARC continues free rides for 2027 primary

Likely Resolves by May 31, 2027

Discussed by: TARC press release

TARC has provided free rides for every election since 2020. Barring a funding shortfall, the agency is expected to repeat the program for the 2027 primary.

2

TARC ends free ride program due to budget cuts

Unlikely Resolves by End of 2027

Discussed by: Transit advocates

If TARC faces a budget shortfall, the free ride program could be cut. The agency has not indicated any plan to end it.

Historical Context

One moment from history that rhymes with this story — and how it unfolded.

2020-present

TARC's fare-free Election Day program (2020-present)

In 2020, TARC began waiving fares on Election Day to help voters get to the polls. The agency has continued the program for every primary and general election since.

Then

The program provided free rides during the 2020 general election.

Now

It has become a recurring service, with TARC and local officials citing it as a way to reduce barriers to voting.

Why this matters now

The 2026 general election is the latest iteration of this now-standard service.

Sources

(4)
Louisville Public Media TARC WLKY The Power Shift Kentucky