KAT to hold public hearing on route changes

In 2009, Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) completed an intensive short-range transit development planning effort aimed at improving transit service. From that study, KAT has made some proposed route changes to support the opening of the new Transit Center in downtown Knoxville.  Several public meetings were held to explain these proposed route changes in more detail. Public comment on the proposed changes will be welcomed during the Knoxville Transportation Authority (KTA) meeting at 3 p.m., March 25 in the Main Assembly Room of the City County Building. The KTA will then vote on these changes at the April 22 board meeting.  If approved, the changes will take effect on Monday, August 16, 2010 in conjunction with the move to the new Knoxville Station transit center.

The proposed changes maintain the majority of KAT’s current service area, while allowing more time for operators to run the routes. In addition, time has been added into schedules to better facilitate transfers between buses. The plan proposes changes that improve appropriate buses for specific areas—using smaller vehicles in neighborhood areas and keeping larger buses more on the main corridors. The proposed plan also attempts to enhance bus transfers in outlying areas, allowing for more efficient movement of passengers. For more information, visit http://www.cityofknoxville.org/kat/web%20pages/2010Changes.asp.