KTA makes Route 12 detour permanent, adds corridor stops; change below major-service threshold

The Knoxville Transit Authority voted to make the temporary Route 12 detour permanent after staff described the alignment change and ridership implications. Umar Tennessee, interim director of operations and planning manager, described the modification as "primarily moving from Cumberland and 17th ... moving over to Hall Of Fame, Summit Hill, Western Avenue," and said the change would add a few stops near 11th Street and near Dedrick to better serve passengers. Staff characterized the change as about a 13% mileage shift—measured in mileage rather than service hours—and therefore below the agency's 25% threshold for a major service change, so no Title VI analysis or public hearing was required.

A commissioner moved to approve and the board passed the motion by voice vote with no opposition announced. Commissioners noted that no current stops would be removed and that the detour has already been in operation since May; staff said that experience running the detour for two months supported making it permanent. The board did not record any roll-call objections. Staff will implement the alignment change consistent with operational planning and notify affected riders through standard outreach channels.