Blog: City Blog

Freedom Pass Strong Debut: 2,487 KAT Trips in February

In the pilot program's first month, Knox County students used their new Freedom Passes to take 2,487 free passenger trips aboard Knoxville Area Transit buses - an average of almost 90 trips a day.

The new Freedom Pass allows unlimited rides on KAT’s fixed route bus service for students through Dec. 31, 2021.

The passes were used most frequently to ride buses rolling on Magnolia Avenue, Western Avenue and Kingston Pike and through Burlington.

The most popular day to ride? Saturday.

"I'm glad to see the City’s Freedom Pass program is off to such a strong start," Mayor Indya Kincannon said. "These passes represent independence for families and make it easier for students to access after-school activities.

"Plus, introducing students to riding KAT now helps grow the next generation of transit enthusiasts. This helps our environment now and will pay green dividends in the decades to come."

Director of Transit Isaac Thorne praised the first-month ridership as well as the destination metrics.

"Students are riding across the city on all of our routes - not just to and from school," he said. "This sort of freedom of movement provides great opportunities, and we look forward to seeing the program continue to grow."

This Bearden student uses her Freedom Pass to ride KAT.

Knox County Schools Superintendent Bob Thomas said the Freedom Pass "has been a tremendous benefit for our students, and I am grateful to the City of Knoxville and Knoxville Area Transit for making it a reality.

"By providing transportation on evenings and weekends, the Freedom Pass has helped students access academic resources; have more flexibility to pursue after-school jobs; and participate in social activities. This program is an example of how Knox County Schools is working together with the City of Knoxville to support students, and I am very excited that it is off to such a great start."

Information about routes, bus stops and trip planning is available on the KAT website, www.katbus.com, or by downloading the free KATbus Tracker App, which is available on the App Store for IOS users or on Google Play for Android users.

Students with disabilities that do not allow them to ride regular fixed-route bus service are eligible to receive a similarly structured Freedom Pass that applies to the KAT LIFT service. For more information about KAT LIFT, please call 865-637-3000.

Posted by evreeland On 25 March, 2021 at 11:58 PM