Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) will join with around 200 other public transportation systems nationwide to participate in National Get On Board Day on Thursday, April 25. KAT will offer service fare-free to encourage the public to ride and show their support for transit.
“Now is a great time to try transit in Knoxville,” says Melissa Roberson, Interim Director of Transit for the City of Knoxville. “Our new KATbus Tracker app can track your bus in real time as well as plan your trip. Or, if you prefer, the texting feature at each bus stop also offers real-time bus arrival times. Once on the bus, the free wi-fi is a great way to get some work done or just relax with some good music.”
Sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), the 2019 National Get On Board Day is a day that encourages people to support public transportation and showcases the benefits it brings to communities. Each weekday in the U.S., 34 million people board public transportation.
Additionally, public transportation is a cornerstone of local economies in urban, suburban, and rural communities. In fact, public transportation helps to make a community economically prosperous and competitive. Every $1 invested in public transportation generates approximately $4 in economic returns, powering community growth and revitalization.
“There are so many good reasons to use transit,” says Roberson. “Whether it’s because you want to save money, reduce your environmental impact, enjoy a walk to and from the bus stop, or just enjoy letting someone else do the driving, we encourage you to hop on for Get on Board Day, and let us know why you ride.”
KAT is encouraging passengers to use social media on the 25th to share why public transit is important to them.
WHAT: Free rides on KAT for National Get On Board Day
WHERE: Throughout the City of Knoxville
WHEN: Thursday, April 25, 2019