Council approves $74,332 microtransit design study to probe transit deserts

Knoxville City Council approved a contract to fund a design study for microtransit services aimed at expanding access in transit‑poor areas, voting to authorize a piggyback agreement not to exceed $74,332.

Public testimony in favor included speakers from Justice Knox and other neighborhood groups who described long walks and poor connections to jobs, groceries and services. Mary Ellis Richardson said the study is “not just about data. This is about people. This is about seniors who are forced to cross four lanes of traffic just to reach a bus stop.” Margaret Bickley and a student speaker also described transportation gaps and urged council to approve the study.

Isaac Thorne, director of Knoxville Transit, told council the study will examine gaps in paratransit and fixed‑route coverage, explore how to ‘co‑mingle’ ADA paratransit and microtransit services, and identify areas where smaller vehicles or flexible routing could feed into the fixed‑route network. Thorne said prior reimagining work showed riders want more frequent service and the microtransit study will look for efficient ways to serve low‑access neighborhoods and better connect to jobs and housing.

Council approved the piggyback contract after the public comments and director’s explanation. Supporters said they expect the study to yield data‑driven recommendations; riders’ advocates asked the city to prioritize equity and ADA accessibility in the study scope.

Next steps: Staff will execute the agreement and return study findings and policy recommendations to council when complete.