KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — According to Knoxville Area Transit, the Knoxville Transportation Authority has approved some services to return for the first time since COVID-19.
“It is very exciting to see the service being restored,” said KTA Vice-Chair Candace Brakewood. “I remember a few years ago when we had to cut most of this service and it was a sad day. It is a very happy day to see a lot of the service coming back.”
KAT said the proposal was approved due to workforce increases. These enhancements will primarily focus on expanding the times and frequencies that the buses will be running, with the changes going into effect April 8.
Some of these changes will include:
- All Sunday service returning to pre-pandemic service spans, with service from 8:15 a.m. to 8:15 p.m.
- Weekday and Saturday routes previously cut in the evenings return to previous evening service levels
- Route 42 Hospital bus returns to 30-minute service on weekdays
- A routing change for South Knoxville routes that will allow easier access in and out of downtown and Knoxville Station
A more expansive list of these changes can be found on KAT's website.
KAT said it anticipates hitting the target of 200 bus drivers just in time for their network kick-off at the end of August.