Ever considered commuting via transit but just felt like you didn’t know where to start?  This Thursday, June 18th Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) is offering “Try Transit Day” – an opportunity to hop on the bus and enjoy a relaxing ride into work.

KAT staff will be at locations north and west from 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. to show new riders just how easy taking transit can be, answering questions, planning routes and handing out various giveaway items.   Staff will be at the west-side Superstop on Walbrook Drive in front of Wal Mart as well as the Fountain City Superstop near Kroger, just off of Knox Road between Maple Drive and Fair Drive.

In addition, KAT is encouraging current riders to bring a friend who’s never tried transit.  Both passengers and their ‘trainees’ will have a chance to win a free bus pass by posting a photo of the ride on KAT’s Facebook page or Twitter feed.

“Transit can seem intimidating if you’ve never done it before,” says Dawn Distler, Director of Transit for the City of Knoxville.  “This is a great chance to get some one-on-one direction – as well as some great freebies - before hopping on the bus.”

June 18th is a national day of trying transit.  The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) sponsors the day - termed ‘Dump the Pump Day’ - as an opportunity to try a new commute, save money, and enjoy the ride.

For more information on June 18th activities, visit www.katbus.com or www.apta.com.