KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Knoxville Area Transit officially launched its new bus network on Monday, after spending months speaking with the community and developing a plan that includes a new route map and increased service hours.
The new bus network is named "KAT Reimagined" and the bus system said for two weeks after it launches, riders will be able to ride for free. Through Sept. 8, people will be able to ride the bus without having to pay the fare.
KAT Reimagined features 20 fixed routes. While it brought buses to some new areas of Knoxville, coverage also dropped in other parts. The bus system said it would no longer use downtown trolleys and instead introduced a new Downtown Connector that costs $1 to use. Trolleys would be converted to regular buses, KAT said, while a few would also be sold at a city auction.
The connector will run every 12 minutes, seven days a week. It will also use all-electric buses.
Changes were made to parts of East Knoxville's routes, and the map was changed to extend a little farther into West Knoxville. A new Route 12 will run near the Holiday Hills area on Western Avenue, and new routes were introduced on Magnolia Avenue and Dandridge Avenue. By having 20 fixed routes, KAT said it aimed to bring more than 94,000 Knoxvillians within a quarter-mile of a stop.
"The schedule is more convenient for me because sometimes I might like to be out a little later or perhaps just like to go down Kingston Pike because I can only walk so far," said Lakishia Brown, a frequent KAT rider.
KAT also said it implemented service hour changes, aiming to make them more consistent throughout the week. It said most routes will now operate throughout the week, resulting in a 150% increase in Sunday service. It also said 12,000 more people will be able to access buses that run every 15 minutes. Most routes have service intervals of around 30 minutes, KAT said.
"It's really convenient for the low-income, the disabled, the elderly and even for the younger crowd," said Brown.
While the changes will be more convenient for many, some are upset with the new routes. "Anyone with any disability, or any ailment, or just being out in the heat period, just walking there and then waiting on the bus, you're putting yourself more in the heat stress factor." said frequent KAT rider, Michael Goins.
KAT worked on the new transit map for several months, hosting public meetings and seeking community input on the plan. To keep track of buses and plan rides, riders can use KAT's app.