KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Knoxville Area Transit said it is hosting public meetings to connect with the community on a proposal to move bus fares to a cashless system.
The transit system said on social media it would introduce "katpay," an account-based payment system that KAT would launch on Oct. 23 if the plans are approved. Through katpay, riders can create a mobile account in the Transit app or use a fare card to pay for rides. Riders would need to create an account, load it with money either online or at a KAT customer service counter and then use that money to pay for rides.
People would be able to load their katpay accounts with cash at customer service counters if they can't load their accounts through online systems. People would be able to buy katpay cards from customer service counters during business hours. The cards themselves cost $4, KAT said on social media.
KAT said on social media if people get a card from Oct. 23 through Dec. 31 through the customer service counter, a credit of $4 would be loaded on it. It also said the riders' first cards would be free for a limited time when they create an account.
The plan would also introduce fare capping, according to KAT. It's aimed at saving riders money by offering rates on a monthly or daily basis, without an upfront cost. KAT said customers would never pay more than $2 per day, or $30 in 30 days, through the new system. Discounted fare rates would be $1 per day, or $15 in 30 days.
It said the fare payment system would track riders' usage and stop charging riders once they reach the daily or monthly limit.
KAT said it would host a public information meeting about the proposed plans on Wednesday at 5 p.m., inside the Knoxville Station's community room. Another meeting is planned for the same time and place on Sept. 16.
