TN: KAT Proposes Trolley to University Commons, Other Changes

Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) is proposing an extension of the Vol Line Trolley to serve the new Wal Mart and Publix at University Commons when the development opens at the end of July. 

The proposal, along with other minor adjustments to routes 40, 41, 45 and 90 will be voted on by the Knoxville Transportation Authority at their regular meeting on June 26.

The proposal is for the Vol Line Trolley to use the current routing through the downtown area which serves Knoxville Station, Krutch Park and the convention center.  The trolley will turn from Cumberland Avenue and will travel through The University of Tennessee along Volunteer Boulevard and will provide direct service into University Commons, taking the new bridge from Joe Johnson Drive.

Under the proposal, the trolley will keep its current hours and frequency of service and will remain fare-free.

Other proposed changes include:

1. Route 41 – Chapman Highway and Route 45 – Vestal: a proposal to change the routing in and out of the downtown area to begin using Henley Street Bridge again.  This would eliminate stops along Hill Avenue and Blount Avenue, as the bus would use Church Avenue to Henley.

2. Route 40 – South Knoxville: a proposal to reverse the loop routing around Moody, Tomlinson and Young High Pike to provide a better pick-up location for Chapman Square.

3. Route 90 – Crosstown: a proposal for a number of timing adjustments to allow for transfers at West Town Mall as well as better evening transfers at the Fountain City Superstop.  In addition, a proposal for use of Old Broadway northbound as well as southbound.

If approved the Vol Line Trolley change would take effect on July 28.  The remaining route changes, if approved, would take effect Aug. 25. The detailed proposal can be found on KAT’s website.