KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Knoxville Area Transit officials outlined how new routes and schedules would impact riders with the new "KAT Reimagined" initiative.
KAT officials held meetings on Wednesday for riders and employees to explain what the program meant. Officials said one of the changes is meant to help make sure buses get to stops faster.
"This draft plan shows how the KAT bus network could be run differently within its existing budget, with a shift toward routes with higher frequencies with less overall coverage," KAT said on its website. "According to the plan analysis, on average, the draft plan allows more people to get to more places sooner, but some places do lose coverage."
The downtown trolleys will also be going away and replaced with a new downtown connector. The use of the connector will cost visits $1, officials said.
According to KAT, the changes will start on Aug. 26. Officials also said the changes are being made based on feedback from the community and riders.
"We're taking that feedback," said Isaac Thorne, KAT director.
KAT said it will be hosting outreach events at various locations such as apartment complexes, community centers, social service organizations and at the downtown Knoxville Station throughout July and August in an attempt to help passengers understand the upcoming changes. A full list of the public information meetings, including their locations and times, is available online.
Thorne also said the trolleys will be converted to regular buses, and a few will be sold at a city auction.
"In addition, Knoxville Area Transit will be providing free rides for the first two weeks after KAT Reimagined launches," KAT said.
KAT Reimagined's final plan was approved in April. The new network will replace the current one on Aug. 26, 2024.
