The Knoxville Transportation Authority (KTA) has given the green light for significant service enhancements proposed by Knoxville Area Transit (KAT), marking a return to pre-pandemic operation levels. These service upgrades, which include extended service hours, particularly on Sundays, are set to commence on April 8, 2024.
Isaac Thorne, the City of Knoxville’s Director of Transit, expressed gratitude for the community’s patience during the rebuilding phase post-pandemic. He emphasized that the enhancements are not just a return to normalcy but also a step towards the highly anticipated KAT Reimagined new route network launch slated for August.
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Key service improvements include the restoration of Sunday service hours to their pre-COVID spans, operating from 8:15 a.m. to 8:15 p.m., an extension from the current 5:15 p.m. cutoff. Additionally, weekday and Saturday routes that had seen evening cuts will revert to their previous schedules. Notably, the Route 42 Hospital bus will return to a 30-minute service frequency on weekdays, improving from the current hourly service. South Knoxville routes will also see a routing change to facilitate easier downtown access.
Candace Brakewood, Vice-Chair of the KTA, reflected on the challenging times when these services had to be reduced and shared her enthusiasm for their restoration. The improvements are part of a broader effort to bolster KAT’s workforce, with the agency on track to meet its bus operator target of 200 in time for the launch of the KAT Reimagined network at the end of August.
For a comprehensive list of service improvements and route changes, passengers and interested parties are encouraged to visit KAT’s official website at www.KATBus.com. This move marks a significant stride towards enhancing public transportation in Knoxville, promising a more connected and accessible city for its residents and visitors.
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