If you needed a ride on TARTA today, you had to walk. No bus rides on Sunday's started today. TARTA is cutting back service to save money.

While the cuts are on all bus routes and impact all riders, it profoundly effects the most vulnerable population who rely on this service: the disabled and lower income residents.

Lauren and Richard Notestine have cerebral palsy. Lauren is also blind in one eye. Neither is able to drive.

For 14 years the Toledo couple has solely relied on TARPS to get around.

"No other option. TARPS is our only option to access the community, go to holiday gatherings, for me to go to work," said Lauren.

This Sunday was tough for them.

"It breaks my heart because my husband and I are not able to go to church and our faith is a very, very important part of our life," said Lauren.

TARTA announced significant changes the end of last year. No more early morning or late night routes, plus holiday and Sunday service was scrapped. The reservation line is no longer monitored on the weekend.

Two public hearing were held and there was push back from County Commissioners and passengers. But, the cuts are something general manager James Gee told 13abc had to happen in order to keep TARTA running at all.

"It's a terrible, drastic change for our passengers. Not good for our organization, but unfortunately is absolutely necessary," said Gee.

"They say they're trying to save money on their budget, but it's people's lives that this is effecting and I'm very emotional about it," said Richard.

Gee says there have been minor cutbacks for years and blames an outdated funding system for why these major changes couldn't be avoided.

"That doesn't seem very compassionate for a company that is supposed to serve people with disabilities," said Lauren.

"I don't know how the city of Toledo is going to survive this," said Richard.

Our media partner The Blade reports a federal civil rights complaint has been filed against TARTA. It alleges the cuts were made without a proper public hearing process and a disregard for the impact on minorities. Gee told 13abc Sunday he hasn't seen the complaint yet.