Oak Ridge staff outline ETHERA contract changes including fare waiver, app and new reporting; council to review in August

City staff presented proposed changes to the Oak Ridge Transit operating contract with ETHERA at the July work session, including a plan to waive rider fares, require software-generated monthly reports, expand Saturday service and set a four-bag carry-on limit. Council members were told the contract will come before the city in August, with the current agreement expiring in September.

Kendall, a city staff member who led the presentation, said the system recorded 9,885 rides in fiscal 2025 and served “over 500 unique riders.” Kendall told council that funding for the service ran out in May and that ETHERA operated part of May and all of June without being paid while staff pursues additional state funding.

The proposed contract changes aim to increase transparency and accessibility. “We would get everything that they get,” Kendall said of a rider feedback form ETHERA has created; the city…