General Information, Page 1
On this page:
Who We Are
Alerts
E-News
Customer Service
Easy Steps to Riding
Bikes
Disability Programs
KTA Board
Executive Team
Careers
History
Business Center
Links
WHO WE ARE
Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) is the City of Knoxville's transit system, operating buses, trolleys and paratransit service across the city. Our funding comes from the City of Knoxville, the state and federal governments and fare revenues. Veolia is our management company, and many of our operators and service personnel are members of the Amalgamated Transit Union local #1164. We carry over 3.6 million passenger trips each year.
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ALERTS
Back to the topNEW Trolley Stop
Beginning Monday, January 30, the Gay Street trolley line will no longer stop on Gay Street by the Flower Pot; instead, the stop will be located just past Church Avenue, in front of the old KUB (green brick) building.
Due to the Clinch Avenue detour, both the Vol Line and Downtown Loop lines will continue to use the stop on Church Avenue at Gay Street, until Clinch Avenue is reopened. At that time, ALL trolley lines will begin using the new stop.
Change of Platform Location for Route 33
Effective January 2, 2012, Route 33: MLK, Jr. Ave. now loads at Platform Q at Knoxville Station.
KAT Snow Route Information
When the weather in Knoxville turns frightful...KAT buses may begin operating on Snow Routes, or on Severe Conditions Snow Routes. When KAT is running on snow routes, it will be announced on local TV and radio stations, as well as on our website page, twitter and Facebook. Following us on Facebook or Twitter is a great way to get the most up-to-the-minute information on weather-related route changes.
During snow routes, most routes either remain on regular routing, or have slight changes to avoid particularly hazardous streets that typically don't get salted as regularly. A few routes do not run at all during snow routes.
For a complete list of what runs during Snow routes, download the Snow Route Information 2011 packet.
Interline Transfer Procedure and Trip Definition
The Knoxville Transportation Authority (KTA) recently approved KAT's proposal for a formal Trip Defiinition and an Interline Transfer Procedure. The purpose of creating a formal trip definition and interline transfer procedure is to create clarity and consistency of service to all passengers. These will become effective on January 2, 2012.
Download pdf for details on Trip Definition and Interline Transfer Procedure proposal.
E-NEWS
September E-News Highlights
Football Time in Tennessee!
It's September and that means cooler weather, fall colors and Football! If you're headed to the game, why fight the game day traffic? Take a KAT Football shuttle instead ......VIEW OUR NEWSLETTER TO READ MORE
Knoxville Station Wins Excellence Award
The Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) recently held its annual Excellence Awards banquet. Knoxville Station won the Excellence Award for New Development ....VIEW OUR NEWSLETTER TO READ MORE
Seniors FREEdom Program Ending
The Seniors FREEdom Program, which covers bus fares for seniors age 65 and over, will be ending effective October 1, 2011 ....VIEW OUR NEWSLETTER TO READ MORE
KAT is on facebook
and twitter!
E-NEWSLETTER DOWNLOADS
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CUSTOMER SERVICE
We strive to provide our passengers with a comfortable, safe and professional transportation experience, as well as clear, timely information and a helpful attitude. We offer a variety of programs to provide you with the best transit service possible.
Trip Planning.
Know where you want to go and when you need to get there? Call our Transit Agents at 637-3000 and they can plan your transit trip out for you, including any transfers you might need to make to get from your starting point to your final destination. KAT's Transit Agents are available weekdays from 6 am to 10 pm and Saturdays from 7 am to 10 pm.
Travel Training.
We offer travel training to individuals and groups. This training includes details like planning your trip, paying your fare, and signaling to the operator when you wish to get off the bus. If you wish to schedule a training session, contact our Customer Service Department at 215-7800.
Have you had an experience on KAT that you want to tell us about? E-mail us. Be sure to include as many details as possible about the day, time, bus, route, and issues. We will respond to you as quickly as possible. If you prefer, you may also call our Transit Agents at 637-3000. They will record your experience in detail, help in any way they can, and be sure the appropriate person at KAT is notified.
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EASY STEPS TO RIDING
Back to the topBasics
- Arrive at the bus stop 5 minutes early.
- As the bus approaches, check the sign above the front window (the destination sign) to make sure it is the correct bus; this sign should show the bus route number and destination (for example, 11: Kingston Pike).
- Signal the operator by raising or waving your hand so he will see you and know you want to board. Be sure to stand a safe distance back from the curb until the bus comes to a complete stop.
- Be ready to pay your fare as soon as you board. If this trip involves a transfer to another bus, let the operator know at this time. If paying with cash, exact change is not required-- you will be issued a change card to use on another bus trip. To learn about different pass options, visit our Fares section.
- When you want to get off the bus, use either the pull cord or the rubber strips around the windows to signal to the operator.
- When the bus comes to a complete stop, make sure you have all your personal items, and exit the bus through the rear door. Wait on the curb until the bus leaves before crossing the street.
Planning your Trip
- Planning a trip on the bus can seem intimidating to newcomers or transit novices, but it's really pretty simple. You can view our Schedules & Maps information on the website or you can call our Transit Agents at 637-3000 and let them assist you. You'll need to tell them your starting point, your destination, and when you wish to arrive. They will tell you which route, or routes, you will need to take, where you can wait to catch that route, and any other information you need, such as whether you'll need to transfer to another bus to get to your final destination.
Bus Stops Only
- KAT buses stop ONLY at locations designated by a KAT bus stop sign. Stops are located every 1/4 mile (or less) along each route.
A Few Things to Know
- Eating and drinking are not allowed on the bus, so that we can keep our equipment clean for you.
- The first seating section at the front is designated for seniors and persons with disabilities.
- Please avoid unnecessary conversations with the bus operator so that they can focus on their work.
BIKES
Back to the topAll KAT buses are equipped with bike racks. Bikes ride free, and bike racks are easy to operate. Steps to load and unload your bike are listed below. You might also want to watch this instructional, and highly entertaining video from TARC (Transit Authority of River City); although the video features TARC, our bike racks work the same way.
Loading your bike...
- Simply grab the bar on the front of the bike rack and pull down to unfold it.
- Lift bike onto the rack, fitting the tires where indicated with marks for front wheels. Use inside slot first.
- Pull support arm out and up over the front tire to secure it in place. Use your bicycle lock now to secure your bike to the rack.
Unloading your bike...
- Before you get off the bus, tell the driver you want to unload your bike.
- Pull the support arm out and down over the tire to release it from the rack. If you've locked your bicycle to the rack, be sure to unlock it now.
- Lift your bike out of the rack and onto the curb. If the rack is empty, fold up the rack to the locked position. Stand clear of the bus.
- Signal to the driver when finished.
Safety first
- For safety reasons, the driver is not allowed to help you load or unload your bicycle.
- The bike rack is made to hold two bikes. If the rack is full, please wait for the next bus. Bicycles are not allowed inside the bus.
- Bike may be loaded and unloaded at designated bus stops only.
- Children under the age of 12 may use racks only if accompanied by a bus-riding adult (age 18 years and over).
- The tire size of your bicycle must be at least 16" in diameter. This excludes some children's bicycles.
- Motorized bikes are not allowed.
- Bikes with child seats, large carriers or other attachments considered hazardous are not allowed.
Final Points
- KAT is not responsible for damages incurred or caused by or to bicycles on KAT bicycle racks.
- You are responsible for properly securing your bike to the rack. The driver will not move the bus until your bike appears to be safely secured with the support arm.
- Best of all, your bike rides FREE!
DISABILITY PROGRAMS
The Lift
Knoxville Area Transit offers transportation options for persons with disabilities through KAT's LIFT service. For those individuals who are unable to use KAT's fixed route service, paratransit curb-to-curb service is available. You must be certified by KAT to use this service. For additional information or a LIFT application visit the LIFT section under "Services."
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Half Fares
Fixed route half-fare program
KAT's half-fare program is available to customers with disabilities, as well as seniors age 65 or over and school children through the 12th grade. Download KAT's half-fare program application and instructions.
Large print schedules
KAT offers schedules in large print on request. In addition, Bus Hailer Cards are available, which assist visually-impaired passengers in flagging down the appropriate bus. To obtain large-print schedules or hailer cards, contact our Customer Service Department at 637-3000.
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Travel Training
Special Needs Passenger Training
For those who may need special training in order to ride the regular fixed-route buses, the KAT customer service department can help. Training includes a tour of Knoxville Station, plus details like planning your trip, paying your fare and signalling to the operator when you wish to get off the bus. This training is available to individuals as well as groups (such as non-profit social service agencies). If you would like to schedule a training session, contact customer service at 637-3000.
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KTA BOARD
The Knoxville Transportation Authority (KTA) board oversees all ground transportation issues for the City of Knoxville, including KAT's routes, schedules, and fares.
KTA BOARD MEMBERS
The Knoxville Transportation Authority (KTA) board meets every fourth Thursday of the month at 3 p.m. in the Main Assembly Room of the City County Building, 400 Main Street.
KTA MEETING MINUTES
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EXECUTIVE TEAM
EXECUTIVE TEAM MEMBER BIOS
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CAREERS
Thank you for considering a future in public transportation with KAT. Our work environment strives to be passenger-focused, employee-supportive and efficient. Individuals who enjoy working at KAT are dedicated to safe practices in the workplace, friendly and receptive to change. Click on the "Current Jobs" button (to the left) to find out about current openings; if there are current openings for which you wish to apply, click on the "Forms" button to the left to download our application forms. Please note: KAT only accepts applications for positions that are currently posted.
Back to the topCurrent Jobs
Current Openings:
NO CURRENT OPENINGS
Please note that KAT accepts applications ONLY when jobs are posted on this site.
KAT is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
GET JOB FORMS
HISTORY
Public transportation in Knoxville dates back to 1876 when the first street cars of the Knoxville Street Railway Company were pulled by horses and mules along tracks on Gay Street. Other dates of note are listed below:
1890: Knoxville streetcars are converted from animal to electric power. The first electric streetcar ran from Gay Street to Lake Ottosee (now Chilhowee Park).
1910: Knoxville had 42 miles of track and was carrying 11 million passengers per year
1929: The first buses are used, serving on feeder routes for the streetcar system.
1947: Electric streetcars made their last run in Knoxville on August 1.
1958: Bus service was first added to The University of Tennessee.
1972: The first air-conditioned GMC buses arrive.
1989: K-Trans moved into a new facility on Magnolia Avenue.
1995: K-Trans became Knoxville Area Transit (KAT).
1996: First formal Park & Ride lot opened at Cedar Bluff Crossing Shopping Center.
2003: The T services began providing service on the UT campus and surrounding area. KAT began Clean Fuels Program with propane-powered vehicles.
2004: KAT named APTA's North American Transit System of the Year.
2010: KAT opens new silver LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)-certified facility, Knoxville Station.
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BUSINESS CENTER
KAT follows The City of Knoxville's purchasing procedures. Visit City Purchasing for more information on becoming a city vendor.
Advertising
Interested in advertising on KAT vehicles? Visit www.gatewayoutdoor.com or contact Mary Pozzi by email or by phone at 865.850.0734.
Becoming a Vendor
KAT follows The City of Knoxville's purchasing procedures. Visit City Purchasing for more information on becoming a city vendor.
DBE Goal
Back to the topKnoxville Area Transit/D.O.T. Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Goal FOR FY 2012-2014
Knoxville Area Transit has established a goal of 2% of Federal financial assistance to be expended in DOT-assisted contracts in federal fiscal years 2012-2014 [exclusive of Federal Transit Administration funds to be used for the purchase of transit vehicles] to be spent with firms who are certified as Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) under Department of Transportation regulations (49 CFR Part 26) . Knoxville Area Transit will meet its goal by advertising bid opportunities through the City of Knoxville Purchasing website, as well as in a timely manner in DBE and general circulation publications and by advising City Purchasing at the time of requisition of possible DBE vendors. Comments on the goal and program, or questions about DBE certification, should be addressed to: M. B. Roberson, DBE Liaison Officer, Knoxville Area Transit, 301 Church Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37915; telephone: 865-215-7830; email: mroberson@katbus.com.
LINKS
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