KTA discusses microtransit pilot, $1.3 million federal grant uncertainty; no formal actions taken

The Knoxville Transportation Authority met without a quorum and heard updates on a microtransit pilot and related funding, Director Thorne said, while no formal actions were taken.

The microtransit pilot is operating service to three low-income apartment complexes, Director Thorne said. "We were awarded $1,300,000 to provide this service over the next 4 years," Thorne said, but added the funding is discretionary and "we have no update on basically whether or not we're going to receive those funds." Vanderbilt University is the direct recipient of the grant and would reimburse KTA for expenses, Thorne said.

The uncertainty over federal funding is central to the pilot’s next steps. The program team is finalizing technology features that will let riders book trips via smartphone apps and will continue to offer a phone…