Louisville KY - The Transit Authority of River City (TARC) is doing a similar program that Sun Tran in Tucson is doing and that is offering clinics to help new riders learn the system. The story on this program is in the Louisville Courier-Journal.
Partnering with an outside group, TARC is aiming to teach seniors that are giving up driving how to utilize the bus system. Seniors tend to be the most confused when it comes to riding transit for the first time or the first time in a long time and they do need some assistance in understanding the operation so they can utilize it effectively. This group is a key demographic group to target as they become more of a captive rider rather than a choice rider.
While the initial rider clinic at TARC was poorly attended, it will pick up as more people become aware of it. Many attempts at such programs are usually met with poor attendance the first few times and they are dropped from the budget. Systems that are persistent and don't give up do see an increase in attendance as time progresses.
A Laurel goes out to TARC for reaching out with a much needed program. The one suggestion I have would be to expand the program, once it has become more established, to include other age groups. The more people understand the transit system in their area, the more likely they are to use it.
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