The KAT service reductions approved by the Knoxville Transportation Authority (KTA) in early July will take effect on Monday, August 29, 2022. These reductions are due to continued workforce shortage issues.

The service reductions are as follows:

  • Elimination of Routes 10 – Sequoyah and 19 – Lakeshore/LonasReduction of all Sunday service schedules, with the last downtown departures at 5:15 p.m.

  • All weekday and Saturday evening service ending earlier, with the exception of core routes 11, 12, 22, 31 and 41 continuing through an 11:15 p.m. line-up.

  • Reduced hours on Route 13 – Beaumont

  • Reduced weekday frequency on Route 42 – UT/Ft. Sanders Hospitals

  • Reduced frequency on Orange and Green Line trolleys

The paratransit Lift service area will remain the same, as well as weekday and Saturday hours. Lift service will end on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. in conjunction with fixed route service reductions.

KAT plans to continue operation of the football shuttle services offered for UT home football games, although the amount of shuttle buses available may be more limited. KAT also encourages game attendees to consider using the regular fixed route services as well. Information on football options can be found on KAT’s website.

In addition to these service reductions, two route changes were approved, effective August 29th:

  • Service West Town Mall (outbound only) via the Gleason Drive entrance to Belk

  • A route change on Route 12 – Western to use 5th Avenue to University (rather than Arthur and Boyd) through the Mechanicsville area

The full details are posted on KAT’s website, www.katbus.com, or passengers can call 865-637-3000 or visit the Customer Service Counter for trip planning assistance.

Recognizing the spiraling effect this could have on those using KAT for work-related transportation, KAT and Knox County CAC Transit are partnering to provide work-related transportation to fill in the gaps left by these reduced service levels.

KAT has had to reduce service levels during COVID twice – once in early 2020, returning to regular levels in July. But those same reductions had to occur again in November 2020. Increasing workforce allowed a return to some previous levels of service, but not all, in March of 2021. However, since that time, workforce levels – in particular for bus operators - have continued to fall and are now lower than at any time during the pandemic. KAT continues to expand recruitment and retention efforts and accepts employment applications on the website, katbus.com.

KAT passengers can call Knox County CAC Transit at 865-524-0319 to check availability. Knox County CAC Transit will do their best to work with passenger schedules to provide work-related trips. KAT will cover the costs of the CAC fares for these passengers until a return to normal service levels on that route.

For more information on this news release, contact Belinda Woodiel-Brill (865-215-7828) or Becca James (865-215-7826).