Recently Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon announced a new program that will allow all Knox County students through high school to ride Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) buses at no charge.

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

“The City’s Freedom Pass program will increase access to after-school activities, jobs, parks, libraries and so much more at no cost to families,” Mayor Kincannon said. “This was a promise I made to voters on the campaign trail and one that could go a long way in enriching the lives of students, easing financial burdens and helping our environment all at the same time.”

How will the passes be distributed? The new passes will be mailed to the parents of all Knox County public school students in grades 6th-12th. Keep in mind that younger students are not required to have the pass.

“This program will not replace the school-bus service provided by Knox County Schools, and the district will continue to offer before- and after-school transportation,” Superintendent Bob Thomas said. “However, we believe that making KAT service more affordable will help students pursue jobs or activities outside of school hours, and broaden their access to cultural institutions such as libraries, museums, and college campuses.”

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.

Home schooled and private school students wanting a Freedom Pass can visit the Knoxville Station customer service counter located at 301 Church Avenue.

All other passes should be arriving in the mail in early February and can be used immediately.
Information about routes, bus stops and trip planning is available on the KAT website HERE.

READ MORE about the program HERE.

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