History of KAT
About KAT Quick Links
Transportation Methods
KAT Historical Timeline
Horse-drawn streetcar service begins in Knoxville.
[/dipl_timeline_item][dipl_timeline_item timeline_title=”1890″ use_timeline_icon=”on” select_timeline_icon=”||fa||900″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_timeline_header_font=”Work Sans|500|||||||” global_timeline_header_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]
Knoxville Streetcars are converted from animal to electric power. The first electric streetcar ran from Gay Street to Lake Ottosee (now Chilhowee Park).
[/dipl_timeline_item][dipl_timeline_item timeline_title=”1895″ use_timeline_icon=”on” select_timeline_icon=”||fa||900″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_timeline_header_font=”Work Sans|500|||||||” global_timeline_header_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]
Knoxville Electric Streetcar Company changes its name to the Knoxville Traction Company.
[/dipl_timeline_item][dipl_timeline_item timeline_title=”1902″ use_timeline_icon=”on” select_timeline_icon=”||fa||900″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_timeline_header_font=”Work Sans|500|||||||” global_timeline_header_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]
Knoxville Traction Company is sold to United Railway and Light Company of America.
[/dipl_timeline_item][dipl_timeline_item timeline_title=”1904″ use_timeline_icon=”on” select_timeline_icon=”||fa||900″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_timeline_header_font=”Work Sans|500|||||||” global_timeline_header_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]
Knoxville Traction Company changes its name to the Knoxville Railway and Light Company.
[/dipl_timeline_item][dipl_timeline_item timeline_title=”1910″ use_timeline_icon=”on” select_timeline_icon=”||fa||900″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_timeline_header_font=”Work Sans|500|||||||” global_timeline_header_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]
Knoxville had 42 miles of track and was carrying 11 million passengers per year.
[/dipl_timeline_item][dipl_timeline_item timeline_title=”1921″ use_timeline_icon=”on” select_timeline_icon=”||fa||900″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_timeline_header_font=”Work Sans|500|||||||” global_timeline_header_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]
National Power and Light Company purchases the streetcar system and changes its name to Knoxville Power and Light Company.
[/dipl_timeline_item][dipl_timeline_item timeline_title=”1929″ use_timeline_icon=”on” select_timeline_icon=”||fa||900″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_timeline_header_font=”Work Sans|500|||||||” global_timeline_header_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]
The first buses were used, serving on feeder routes for the streetcar system.
[/dipl_timeline_item][dipl_timeline_item timeline_title=”1930″ use_timeline_icon=”on” select_timeline_icon=”||fa||900″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_timeline_header_font=”Work Sans|500|||||||” global_timeline_header_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]
Knoxville Power and Light Company changes its name to the Tennessee Public Service Company, and Knoxville’s first and only electric rubber-tired coaches begin service.
[/dipl_timeline_item][dipl_timeline_item timeline_title=”1938″ use_timeline_icon=”on” select_timeline_icon=”||fa||900″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_timeline_header_font=”Work Sans|500|||||||” global_timeline_header_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]
The Tennessee Coach Company buys Knoxville’s public transportation system and changes its name to Knoxville Transit Lines (KTL).
[/dipl_timeline_item][dipl_timeline_item timeline_title=”1947″ use_timeline_icon=”on” select_timeline_icon=”||fa||900″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_timeline_header_font=”Work Sans|500|||||||” global_timeline_header_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]
Electric streetcars made their last run in Knoxville on August 1.
[/dipl_timeline_item][dipl_timeline_item timeline_title=”1958″ use_timeline_icon=”on” select_timeline_icon=”||fa||900″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_timeline_header_font=”Work Sans|500|||||||” global_timeline_header_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]
Bus service was first added to the University of Tennessee.
[/dipl_timeline_item][dipl_timeline_item timeline_title=”1967″ use_timeline_icon=”on” select_timeline_icon=”||fa||900″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_timeline_header_font=”Work Sans|500|||||||” global_timeline_header_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]
Knoxville Transit Lines is sold to the City of Knoxville, and Knoxville Transit Lines (KTL) changes its name to the Knoxville Transit Corporation (KTC). The Knoxville Transit Authority is established.
[/dipl_timeline_item][dipl_timeline_item timeline_title=”1972″ use_timeline_icon=”on” select_timeline_icon=”||fa||900″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_timeline_header_font=”Work Sans|500|||||||” global_timeline_header_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]
The first air-conditioned GMC buses arrived in Knoxville.
[/dipl_timeline_item][dipl_timeline_item timeline_title=”1975″ use_timeline_icon=”on” select_timeline_icon=”||fa||900″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_timeline_header_font=”Work Sans|500|||||||” global_timeline_header_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]
KTC moves to Jessamine Street.
[/dipl_timeline_item][dipl_timeline_item timeline_title=”1978″ use_timeline_icon=”on” select_timeline_icon=”||fa||900″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_timeline_header_font=”Work Sans|500|||||||” global_timeline_header_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]
The Knoxville Transit Authority is renamed the Knoxville Transportation Authority, and KTC changes its name to K-Trans.
[/dipl_timeline_item][dipl_timeline_item timeline_title=”1989″ use_timeline_icon=”on” select_timeline_icon=”||fa||900″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_timeline_header_font=”Work Sans|500|||||||” global_timeline_header_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]
K-Trans moved into a new facility on Magnolia Avenue, and the downtown transfer point is moved to Summer Place and Walnut Avenue.
[/dipl_timeline_item][dipl_timeline_item timeline_title=”1990″ use_timeline_icon=”on” select_timeline_icon=”||fa||900″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_timeline_header_font=”Work Sans|500|||||||” global_timeline_header_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]
The new office and maintenance facility is dedicated to Reverend W T. Crutcher, chairman and long-time member of the KTA.
[/dipl_timeline_item][dipl_timeline_item timeline_title=”1995″ use_timeline_icon=”on” select_timeline_icon=”||fa||900″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_timeline_header_font=”Work Sans|500|||||||” global_timeline_header_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]
K-Trans became Knoxville Area Transit (KAT).
[/dipl_timeline_item][dipl_timeline_item timeline_title=”1997″ use_timeline_icon=”on” select_timeline_icon=”||fa||900″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_timeline_header_font=”Work Sans|500|||||||” global_timeline_header_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]
KAT begins neighborhood service using minibusses in Sequoyah Hills and Lincoln Park, and the KTA and Trolley Board consolidate functions.
[/dipl_timeline_item][dipl_timeline_item timeline_title=”2001″ use_timeline_icon=”on” select_timeline_icon=”||fa||900″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_timeline_header_font=”Work Sans|500|||||||” global_timeline_header_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]
The Community Advisory Committee (CAC) was created by city ordinance.
[/dipl_timeline_item][dipl_timeline_item timeline_title=”2003″ use_timeline_icon=”on” select_timeline_icon=”||fa||900″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_timeline_header_font=”Work Sans|500|||||||” global_timeline_header_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]
KAT begins Clean Fuels Program with propane-powered vehicles.
[/dipl_timeline_item][dipl_timeline_item timeline_title=”2004″ use_timeline_icon=”on” select_timeline_icon=”||fa||900″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_timeline_header_font=”Work Sans|500|||||||” global_timeline_header_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]
KAT is named APTA’s North American Transit System of the Year.
[/dipl_timeline_item][dipl_timeline_item timeline_title=”2010″ use_timeline_icon=”on” select_timeline_icon=”||fa||900″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_timeline_header_font=”Work Sans|500|||||||” global_timeline_header_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]
KAT begins operating out of the John J. Duncan, Jr. Knoxville Station, a brand-new, state-of-the-art, LEED-certified transit center, and KAT implements a complete fixed-route system restructure (KATamorphosis). Ridership increases every month for several years.
[/dipl_timeline_item][dipl_timeline_item timeline_title=”2011″ use_timeline_icon=”on” select_timeline_icon=”||fa||900″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_timeline_header_font=”Work Sans|500|||||||” global_timeline_header_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]
Automated Vehicle Locator (AVL) system is implemented improving system efficiency.
[/dipl_timeline_item][dipl_timeline_item timeline_title=”2013″ use_timeline_icon=”on” select_timeline_icon=”||fa||900″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_timeline_header_font=”Work Sans|500|||||||” global_timeline_header_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]
KAT installs the first of several SuperStops to enhance passenger experience at outlying transfer points, and KAT improves frequencies on major routes to every 15 minutes during peak hours.
[/dipl_timeline_item][dipl_timeline_item timeline_title=”2014″ use_timeline_icon=”on” select_timeline_icon=”||fa||900″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_timeline_header_font=”Work Sans|500|||||||” global_timeline_header_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]
KAT begins operating Hybrid Electric vehicles, implements a Semester Pass Program, and the City established a Director of Transit position.
[/dipl_timeline_item][dipl_timeline_item timeline_title=”2015″ use_timeline_icon=”on” select_timeline_icon=”||fa||900″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_timeline_header_font=”Work Sans|500|||||||” global_timeline_header_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]
KAT restructures Trolley routing with Green Line, Blue Line and Orange Line, and KAT receives the “Shining Star” award from the Federal Transit Administration.
[/dipl_timeline_item][dipl_timeline_item timeline_title=”2016″ use_timeline_icon=”on” select_timeline_icon=”||fa||900″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_timeline_header_font=”Work Sans|500|||||||” global_timeline_header_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]
KAT Implemented Google Transit, a trip planning feature on the website, and awarded a contract to develop a new website. The Community Advisory Committee (CAC) is dissolved by city ordinance.
[/dipl_timeline_item][dipl_timeline_item timeline_title=”2017″ use_timeline_icon=”on” select_timeline_icon=”||fa||900″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_timeline_header_font=”Work Sans|500|||||||” global_timeline_header_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]
All vehicles are equipped with Wi-Fi access for passengers, a free amenity, and new distinctive Trolley signage and shelters installed. KAT named an Outstanding Public Transit System by APTA.
[/dipl_timeline_item][dipl_timeline_item timeline_title=”2021″ use_timeline_icon=”on” select_timeline_icon=”||fa||900″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_timeline_header_font=”Work Sans|500|||||||” global_timeline_header_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-89cb6c92-318a-4a2e-a5de-305ce55a80d2%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]
KAT introduces 12 all-electric buses into our fleet.
[/dipl_timeline_item][/dipl_timeline]