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301 Church Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37915

General Office: 865-215-7800

Office hours: Monday - Friday
8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Service Change

ALL BUS ROUTES

Reduced Service Schedules in Effect

Effective Monday, August 29, 2022, reduced service schedules went into effect on some KAT bus routes. Click here for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Have questions? We have answers! You can browse through all our frequently asked questions, or you can jump to a specific section by using the quick links below.

If you are unable to find an answer to your questions, please reach out to us via our Contact form.

Fixed Route Buses
Customer Service
Trolley Routes
Lift Paratransit

Fixed Route Buses

Are buses required to stop at every bus stop even when no one is waiting at the stop?

No, operators will only stop at bus stops where passengers are waiting. If a route is on detour, operators will make courtesy stops at safe locations along the detoured route. Please signal to the operator you will be boarding his or her bus.

Can I bring food or drinks onto the bus?
To keep our buses clean for all of our customers, eating and drinking is not allowed on board any KAT bus. Passengers may bring non-alcoholic beverages and food on board as long as it is in a sealed container.
The bus sign is damaged / missing at this location?

Please fill out the Contact Us form. Provide a detailed description of the location and your concern will be addressed as soon as possible.

Can I get change from the ticket vending machine at Knoxville Station?

The ticket vending machine on the Knoxville Station Platform is out of order. Please visit the Customer Service desk on the 1st floor.

 

Who qualifies for discounted fare?

For a list of individuals that qualify for a reduced fare, please visit our Discounted Fare Qualifications page.

How much does it cost to ride the bus?

For a detailed list of our current fares, please visit our Fares page.

Do children ride the bus for free?

Children 4 years and younger are allowed to ride for free. Knox County School students also ride for free through the Youth Freedom Pass Program.

What credit cards are accepted at the Knoxville Station Customer Service Counter?
Visa and Master Card are accepted with proper ID.
Does KAT provide service to the airport?
Not at this time.
If I need to get to my destination by a particular time, what should I do?

If you need help planning your trip, you can get step by step directions using our app, Transit. Download it for free and learn how to use it here. You can also call our Customer Service line at 865-637-3000, or use our trip planner tool on our website. 

Is tobacco use allowed?
All KAT vehicles are tobacco free, including e-cigarettes. Smoking is only allowed in designated smoking areas within our facilities and super stops.
Does KAT provide service to Halls? Powell? Karns? Farragut? Strawberry Plains?
KAT does not provide service to these areas at this time. As the City of Knoxville’s Public Transit System, KAT provides service within the City limits and main corridors.
I’m trying to get to the University of Tennessee campus. Which bus do I take from Knoxville Station?

You can take Route 11: Kingston Pike, Route 17: Sutherland or the Free Trolley routes.

Can I purchase a football shuttle pass at the Knoxville Station Customer Service Counter?

Yes, you may purchase your shuttle wristband from Knoxville Station’s customer service counter the week prior to the game you are attending. The customer service counter hours are Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm.

Are pets allowed on the bus?
Service animals are allowed on board. All other animals must be in a standard animal carrier case.
How and where can I purchase bus passes?

KAT offers several different fare payment options. For a list of these options please visit the Purchase Bus Passes page.

How do routes change when there is a severe weather emergency?

Updates will be posted on our social media accounts. If severe weather other than snow causes detours, we will also update specific routes with detour information in our app, Transit. To find snow route information please visit here.

How are bus stop locations decided?

Decisions for locations follow a three-step process. First, an initial review based on ridership, distance between stops, and physical site feasibility. Second, a review committee further evaluates equity, efficiency, and safety features. Third, placement guidelines from City regulations and federal standards direct how stops are installed. Please share your bus stop request or comment by going to CONTACT US.

Customer Service

What are the hours of operation for the Knoxville Station Customer Service Counter?

The Knoxville Station Customer Service Counter is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays and is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

What is the weekend schedule for route service?

Each route has a different schedule on Saturdays and Sundays and some do not run on weekends. Select routes run every 30 minutes and others run every hour. View our route times and schedules.

I lost my 30 day pass or 20 ride pass. What can I do?

KAT cannot replace, refund, or exchange passes.

I would like to speak to someone about an experience I had on the bus. Who can I talk to?

We are always happy to hear about your transit experience whether it be a driver commendation or a not so enjoyable situation. To report your experience, please call our Customer Service line at 865-637-3000 or use our Contact Form. Your experience will be documented and someone will contact you to follow up if necessary.

What Holidays does KAT observe?

KAT observes the following holidays and is closed on these days: New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

Kat operates on a Sunday schedule on the following holidays: Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Labor Day, the day after Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve.

What are the operating hours for fixed routes?

KAT provides fixed route service throughout the city on weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. For additional details, please visit our Schedules & Routes page.

Where can I find something I have left on the bus?

Call 865-637-3000 to inquire about lost items or fill out our Contact Us form. Items found on KAT buses may be available at the Knoxville Station Customer Service Counter within 24 to 48 hours. Lost items not claimed will be donated after 30 days, with the exception of clothing which will be donated to  local charity within two weeks.

I lost my Discounted Fare ID card. How do I get a replacement?
The cost to replace or renew an ID is $2. You will need to visit the Knoxville Station Customer Service Counter; located at 301 Church Avenue, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The bus does not provide service where I need to go. Who can I talk to?

Please refer to the Contact Form. Provide a detailed description of your request and it will be considered by our service modification team. KAT often receives requests for service changes and expansions, and we appreciate your desire for transit service.

I bought a pass on the bus and received my change on a card. How do I get my money back?

We are unable to exchange a change card for cash, but change cards can be used on the bus for your next trip or at the Customer Service Counter towards the purchase of other passes.

Trolley Routes

Do the trolleys operate on Sundays?
No, Trolleys do not run on Sundays. Routes operate until 8:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information, visit the Trolley page.
How many free Trolley lines are there?

There are currently 3 Trolley lines; Blue Line, Green Line and Orange Line. For more information, visit the Trolley page. 

Lift Paratransit

Who is eligible for the LIFT paratransit service?
According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, a person must have an actual physical, visual, or mental functional limitation, which causes him or her to be unable to use accessible fixed-route transportation.
What do we do if a passenger is ready early?
If a passenger is ready more than 2 hours earlier than originally scheduled, they may call the LIFT Department and ask for an early pick-up. KAT LIFT staff will do all they can to assist in these instances.
Why is there a 30 minute window?
The 30 minute window is part of the scheduling parameter and takes into consideration that the LIFT is a shared ride. Therefore, a specific pick-up time cannot be guaranteed.
How long does it take to get approved for the LIFT paratransit service?
The process takes an average of two or three weeks.
What do I do if the driver isn't coming to the door?

If a passenger is having any problems with their transportation, they should call the LIFT Department at 865-215-7850 and speak with the supervisor. The LIFT is a door to door service and drivers are required to fulfill these job duties.

What time is my LIFT vehicle coming?
When a passenger makes a reservation, they are given a 30 minute window in which their vehicle should arrive. This window is determined by a scheduling system.
How do I apply for the LIFT Service?

LIFT passengers must be pre-qualified for the service. Download the LIFT application, complete the application, and return it to the Knoxville Station Transit Center at 301 Church Avenue. Please click here to visit the LIFT page for more information.