LOUISVILLE -- With a $4 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration, TARC will replace a dozen old buses that have traveled more than 500,000 miles with new clean-diesel buses that are less expensive to maintain and better for the environment.

TARC already has 27 new buses on order as a result of previous federal grants. 

The latest grant for 12 new buses means TARC will replace a total of 39 old buses – nearly 20 percent of the fleet – with new, more environmentally-friendly buses in the next two years. New buses, which take a year to receive after ordering, will begin arriving in April.

“We are excited about this latest grant and what all our bus replacements will bring - cleaner, better public transportation in the Louisville metropolitan region on both sides of the river,” said J. Barry Barker, executive director of TARC.

 “These buses will produce less carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide and other particulates that are harmful to the air we breathe. They also get better gas mileage and are less expensive to maintain than our older buses, so the benefits are many.”

Congressman John Yarmuth said, “I’m proud to work with TARC to secure federal funds for important investments in cleaner technology and infrastructure. These new buses will result in lower costs for TARC, a better experience for riders, and cleaner air throughout our community.”

Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer said the new buses are more than an investment in TARC’s future. “It’s an investment in the environment. These buses are much cleaner and greener than older models,” he said.

TARC was selected for the $4 million grant on a competitive basis through the FTA’s State of Good Repair Program which is designed to replace aging public transit vehicles and equipment throughout the country. 

TARC’s fleet of 212 buses now includes 87 buses that are more than 13 years old and have each traveled more than 500,000 miles. Of the 39 new buses, 11 will be hybrid-electric vehicles and the remaining will be diesel buses featuring the latest technology for fuel conservation, maintenance cost savings and environmental benefits.