Episode 273. J. BARRY BARKER – (Retired) Executive Director of TARC- (The Transit Authority of River City) (1951-2024)

Born in Wigan, England, J. Barry Barker served as the Executive Director of the Transit Authority of River City (TARC) in Louisville, Kentucky, from September 1994 until his retirement in November 2018, dedicating nearly 25 years to enhancing the city’s public transportation system!

His core belief that “the quality of life in our communities is only as good as it is for the least advantaged members of our communities” directs his customer-focused approach to service and team-based approach to management, which has resulted in increased ridership and service innovations that have received national recognition.

Under Barry, the Community Transportation Association of America designated TARC the nation’s Urban System of the Year in 2006.

The following year, the American Public Transportation Association recognized Barry as the Outstanding Public Transportation Manager of the Year.

In 2012, the National Academies Transportation Research Board honored Barry with the Sharon D. Banks Award for Humanitarian Leadership in Transportation.

Locally, Barry has served on more than a dozen non-profit agency boards, including in leadership positions, and 2010, he headed Metro United Way’s annual fundraising campaign.

TARC provides 12 million passenger trips annually, with 63% of riders traveling to and from work and another 20 % on school trips.

“TARC moves the workforce of today & tomorrow, & we’re critical for people to access opportunity & all life has to offer,” Barry said. “I have always been motivated by the belief that the quality of life in our communities is only as good as it is for the least advantaged members. Access to life’s opportunities is necessary if communities & individuals thrive.

I’ve been fortunate to champion these beliefs at TARC & in the community.”

Under Mr. Barker’s leadership, TARC implemented several technological advancements, including the introduction of electric buses, real-time service alerts, and the installation of Wi-Fi across the fleet. He also established partnerships with major local employers, government agencies, and educational institutions—such as Humana, Louisville Metro, the University of Louisville, and Jefferson Community and Technical College—to provide free rides for employees, students, faculty, and staff with appropriate identification.

Prior to his tenure at TARC, Mr. Barker held significant roles in public transportation, serving as General Manager of the METRO Regional Transit Authority in Akron, Ohio, and as Assistant General Manager for Marketing and Management at the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority.

Throughout his career, Mr. Barker received numerous accolades recognizing his contributions to public transportation and community service. In 2007, he was honored with the Outstanding Public Transportation Manager Award by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). The following year, the Kentucky Public Transit Association inducted him into its Hall of Fame. In 2012, the Transportation Research Board presented him with the Sharon D. Banks Award for Humanitarian Leadership in Transportation, acknowledging his commitment to improving transportation access and quality of life for disadvantaged populations.

His efforts were also recognized by organizations such as the Louisville Urban League, the Kentucky Council for the Blind, the Paralyzed Veterans of America, Easter Seals, and the NAACP.

Mr. Barker’s influence extended beyond Louisville through his active participation in national transportation organizations. He served on the Easter Seals Project Action Advisory Committee, the National Center for Senior Transportation, and the Transportation Research Board’s Executive Committee. He also chaired the Transit Research Analysis Committee and the board of the National Transit Institute. In 2020, APTA inducted him into its Hall of Fame, further cementing his legacy in the field.

Locally, Mr. Barker was deeply involved in community service, serving on more than a dozen non-profit agency boards, including leadership positions. In 2010, he led Metro United Way’s annual fundraising campaign.

On December 2nd, 2024, Barry passed on, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to public transportation and community service that significantly impacted Louisville and the broader transportation community!