New year, new routes: KAT to make significant bus route changes

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Big changes are coming to Knoxville's bus routes. 

The updated routes start running on Monday, Jan. 6, 2020.

The Knoxville Transportation Authority has already approved the changes.

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The following routes will change:

Route 12 -- Western Avenue: 

• The current detour through the Western Heights area will become a permanent change.
• Portions of Virginia and Tennessee Avenues will no longer be served.
• KAT said the changes will keep the buses on time and streamline the route.

Route 13 -- Beaumont:

• The route will cover new areas on Middlebrook Pike, like Big Oak Apartments and Helen Ross McHabb's Military Service Center
• It will no longer include the portion at Central Street Dameron near the Knox County Health Department.
• Transfers to Route 20 – Central will provide direct service to Knoxville Station.
• Direct service provided to Public Works Building will be on the outbound leg only, with inbound service along Middlebrook Pike.
• Service will include an additional evening trip on weekdays.

Route 20 -- Central Street:

• The route will no longer include a service extension to Melstone Road and McClain Drive.
• KAT said this change will keep the route consistent all day.

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Route 34 -- Burlington:

• The route will stop serving a three-block portion at Catalpa, Kirk and Lilac streets, keeping the bus straight on Fern Street.
• KAT said this change will "improve route performance."

Route 42 -- UT/Ft. Sanders Hospitals:

• Buses will arrive at each stop every 30 minutes. 
• Service will continue through 11:15 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays.
• The route will include a new Sunday service.

Route 90 -- Crosstown:

• Route will serve Walbrook Superstop (at Walmart) instead of West Town Mall by following Middlebrook to Gallaher View.
• The route will no longer serve West Hills along Vanosdale Road and at West Town Mall.
• The route will serve new stops along Middlebrook Pike.
• The Saturday schedule will change to be consistent with weekday services.
• The route will now travel through I-640 Plaza.
• Service will be along Third Creek Road rather than Ed Shouse Drive to Middlebrook.