Release of Public Transportation Study & Recommendations
Elizabethtown, KY. – To continue efforts to meet the transportation needs in Hardin and Meade Counties, the Radcliff/Elizabethtown Metropolitan Planning Organization (REMPO) has completed a Public Transportation Study. Consultants from Michael Baker International, Inc. were retained to analyze the need for and feasibility of implementing a fixed-route public transportation system within the REMPO area.
Input was received from REMPO Committees, local governments, Transit Authority of Central Kentucky (TACK) and various stakeholders from the industrial, education and public health sectors to gather input on location needs, potential ridership and to discuss funding possibilities. This information was used to create a public survey that was conducted through REMPO’s website, as well as hard copies provided at participating locations, from March 1, 2024, to April 5, 2024.
“An astounding number — over 1,400 — responses were received,” said Executive Director Daniel London. “These responses provided patterns of public travel, desired community locations and preferences for traffic transportation service. The public was fully engaged, more so than in previous studies, which is exactly what we were seeking.”
Based on the community and stakeholder input, recommended strategies were developed for consideration to improve public transportation in the area. Securing funding from multiple sources will be a significant factor in the success of a new fixed-route bus network. A financial analysis was conducted looking at comparable public transportation systems to identify federal grant opportunities, multi-faceted funding partnerships, and future financial considerations as the system grows.
MPO Chair and City of Elizabethtown Mayor Jeff Gregory commented, “I’m really appreciative of our friends at LTADD and their response to our request for an updated Public Transportation Study. As we continue to grow, not only in Elizabethtown but regionally, it’s important to examine and consider all options for transportation for a multitude of reasons. We look forward to working with other local governments to find a way forward to benefit our citizens’ needs.”
“While we are pleased and excited about the study’s findings, it is critically important the public give elected officials and policy-makers room and grace to consider these findings,” added London. “This is a significant step for the region that’ll require broad dialogue between stakeholders, potential partners and more importantly, taxpayers because no matter how you structure it, it’ll be a taxpayer funded enterprise.”
The findings and recommended strategies are available here:
