The Knoxville Transportation Authority (KTA) has approved a new recommendation from Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) to adopt cashless ticket payment methods, or require exact change, for bus fares. This decision was made during a KTA board meeting on October 24, 2024, with the goal of enhancing customer experience and improving operational efficiency.
The new system, known as katpay, was launched on October 23, 2024, and incorporates fare capping. This system ensures passengers pay no more than $2 per day or $30 per 30-day period. For those eligible for discounted fares, the limits are $1 per day or $15 per 30-day period. Katpay offers passengers the convenience of managing their fares through a mobile app or a reloadable card. More information can be found here.
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While the system is moving towards cashless payments, riders can still use cash onboard. The fare is $1 per ride, or 50 cents for discounted fares.
The transition offers several key benefits, including:
– Expedited boarding, making the process quicker and more efficient.
– Fare capping, saving customers money by stopping charges once the daily or monthly fare limit is reached.
– Flexible payment options, allowing passengers to use a mobile account or reloadable fare card.
– Increased operational efficiency, reducing maintenance and labor costs related to fareboxes and cash handling.
– Enhanced flexibility, opening possibilities for KAT to explore rear-door boarding.
Important dates for the transition are:
– Oct. 23, 2024 – May 1, 2025: First Card ‘FREE’ promotion offers a $4 credit upon account creation and card registration.
– Oct. 23, 2024 – May 1, 2025: Mobile katpay account credit is available for new accounts, providing a $4 credit.
– Oct. 23, 2024 – Feb. 2, 2025: Ticket buyback program allows passengers to exchange unused paper tickets for credit.
– Dec. 2, 2024: Last day to purchase paper tickets at customer service.
– Dec. 31, 2024: Last day to use paper tickets on buses.
– Jan. 2, 2025: Exact change becomes mandatory in fare boxes, with no more paper tickets or change cards available.
KAT will continue to provide updates and resources to assist customers during this transition.
Source: Read Original Release
Knoxville Driver Services Temporary Closures for Upgrades
Twelve Driver Services locations in the Greater Knoxville area will temporarily close next week for the installation of new credentialing equipment and self-service kiosks. The closures will occur on specific dates between October 28 and October 31, affecting various counties including Anderson, Campbell, Knox, Loudon, Scott, and Union. The new kiosks will offer services such as license renewals, address changes, and payment processing. For more information, visit tn.gov/safety/driver-services.html.