KAT’s Comprehensive Operational Analysis

Recommended Network now available for Review!

After two rounds of extensive public engagement, the KAT Reimagined Recommended Bus Network is finalized for public review. You can find out all of the information, view the map, and learn about the frequency improvements and other changes, by visiting katreimagined.com.

The Knoxville Transportation Authority (KTA) will hold a public hearing at the regular monthly meeting on Thursday, July 27, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. in the Main Assembly Room of the City-County Building, 400 Main Street. The public is encouraged to attend.

Visit the study’s website: katreimagined.com where you can read background reports from the study, and view the Recommended Bus Network Map.

Background:

The KAT Reimagined study, begun in 2021, looked at our current service and how we can make it better, balancing the area we cover with how well we cover that area. Service everywhere that operates infrequently doesn’t work for many people, but only a few routes with really great service may not reach enough people. This study began by asking the community how we find that balance that will encourage transit use in Knoxville and make it work effectively for as many people as possible. Based on our online and on-the-streets public input process, the Knoxville Transportation Authority directed our transit consultants to develop a draft service plan in which 70% of KAT’s resources are focused on ridership goals and 30% on coverage goals. That draft service plan was made available for public review and comment throughout the month of February 2023. Feedback was heard and changes were made, and the Recommended Network is now available to the public for review.

In addition to KAT Reimagined, the Knox TPO (Transportation Planning Organization) is taking a fresh look at transit not only in Knoxville and Knox County, but the region as well. The other two transit studies going on are:

The Regional Coordination Study.

In addition to KAT, Knox County CAC provides transportation services within the City and County, and East Tennessee Human Resources Agency (ETHRA) also provides service beyond Knox County and within. How can these three organizations work together more effectively?

Regional Transit Study.

The metropolitan area of Knoxville is growing rapidly, and many people commute between counties for work, shopping and more. How can we start thinking of transit as a more regional solution to a variety of challenges, from carbon emissions to congestion?