Could layoffs at TARC solve JCPS' bus driver shortage? What city and union leaders say

Louisville's public transit system is facing budget cuts that will likely mean layoffs for drivers. But Mayor Craig Greenberg says TARC's problems could result in a solution for Jefferson County Public Schools.

Hours after TARC's board of directors approved a tentative budget Monday that will likely result in a decrease in drivers, several Metro Council members alongside Greenberg held a press conference focused on JCPS' busing issues. The district has not been able to hire enough bus drivers, resulting in a controversial school board decision April 10 to cut transportation to most magnet schools.

What most view as a major pitfall for one system could be a perk for another, Greenberg argued.

But the president of TARC's drivers union said that solution is not likely to work.

Lilian Brents told The Courier Journal many TARC drivers, including herself, are former JCPS drivers who don't want to work for the district.

"A great deal of TARC drivers come to TARC from JCPS for a better work environment, better pay, better benefits, consistent work and a strong union," Brents said.

Monday's press conference, she said, "blindsided" her and other union members. While the board approved a budget that clearly indicates route frequency will be reduced, its press release did not say drivers will be let go, nor have drivers been told how many will be affected, she said.

The budget that TARC's board approved awaits final approval by Metro Council. If it passes, a new schedule for TARC will begin in January — several months after the start of the new school year. TARC will operate with fewer buses scheduled every hour on most routes Monday through Friday.

The decrease in services is necessary because the city's public transit system's budget is facing a $30 million deficit. While Greenberg couldn't say how many drivers will be impacted by this change, he said the amount could come "really close" to solving JCPS' driver shortage — assuming many laid off TARC drivers would choose to work for the district.

"I believe we are presented with an opportunity to support TARC drivers, JCPS students and the entire community," Greenberg said, explaining he sent in a letter to the union leadership for TARC and JCPS drivers.

In that letter, Greenberg stated he'd like to immediately "determine if impacted TARC drivers would be interested in an opportunity at JCPS and if so, find a way to work with JCPS to help them fill their bus driver vacancies."

More: Bus transportation is ending for most JCPS magnet schools. Here’s what you need to know

Brents said Greenberg's suggestion that the city's lack of investment in TARC is an "opportunity" for JCPS and that TARC drivers want their livelihoods disrupted lacks dignity and respect.

"So now our kids no longer have a way to school and people no longer have a way to work and a whole group of people are about to lose their employment," Brents said of the decrease in services.

Ozzy Gibson, TARC's executive director, applauded Greenberg and council members for Monday's press conference and their insistence that JCPS leadership meet with city leaders to discuss solutions to its transportation issues.

Beyond laying off drivers who might apply to JCPS, though, TARC isn't in a position to help beyond what services are already provided, Gibson said.

"When you look at what's going on in our community as far as public transit, the stars align for a nightmare," he said. "They’re short of drivers and we’re facing a budget shortfall. ... We can’t add on anything."

There are about 350 TARC drivers who cover 30 routes across the region each day. Nearly 5 million people ride TARC buses each year. There are about 30,000 Louisville households without a vehicle, according to Metro United Way.

Gibson said he believes he'll know in about a month how many drivers will be laid off if Metro Council approves the budget. Members will vote June 20.

Any TARC driver who is hired by JCPS will have their years of experience at TARC honored within the district's pay schedule, Superintendent Marty Pollio said.

JCPS' base hourly pay is $22.78 per hour, which is higher than TARC's $21.27. TARC drivers, however, don't have to work shifts like those at JCPS. Additionally, Brents said the city offers a better benefits package than the district.

Gibson acknowledged there are differences between the two jobs, including a more consistent workflow for TARC drivers, who generally only transport adults, but he said he supports any option that means his employees won't go without a paycheck.

"I don’t want to lay off people here at TARC — that's the last thing a leader or director wants to do," he said.

But, "This is the first cut we’re making," he said of the proposed changes. "We’re going to be in a tight spot again next year if we don’t find additional revenue."

JCPS anticipates having 476 drivers next year, but under the newly approved plan — which continues busing for Central and Western High magnet students — they will need to cover about 500 routes. This, according to the district, will mean continued delays and 4 million to 5 million minutes of lost instruction. This year, students are collectively on pace to miss about 12 million hours of instruction time.

If board members hadn't voted to end busing for most magnet students, the district would start each day next year at least 100 drivers short, and students would miss upwards of 17 million instructional minutes, Pollio said.

The change will force at least 14,000 students to find their own way to school if they choose to stay in their magnet programs.

For months leading up to JCPS board members' decision last week, community members have pointed to TARC as a viable alternative. District leaders have mentioned providing TARC passes to middle and high school students, but school leaders have argued TARC routes do not function in a way that many students could rely on.

In conversations with district leaders, Gibson said it was determined there are bus stops near all but eight JCPS schools. While TARC routes will not change next year, the frequency in which riders are picked up and dropped off will significantly decrease. The service's weekday frequency will be reduced to the level of service currently experienced on a Saturday.

Contact Krista Johnson at kjohnson3@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Could TARC layoffs solve JCPS bus driver shortage? What union says