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Council approves budget amendment to fund microtransit; concerns raised about labor impacts
Summary
Council amended the FY2025–26 operating and capital budgets to support a microtransit pilot, approving the second reading 8–1 after public support from Justice Knox and concerns from one council member about potential impacts on union jobs.
Knoxville City Council approved an amendment to the FY2025–26 operating and capital budgets to fund a microtransit initiative intended to expand mobility options in neighborhoods (Ordinance 10d). The second reading passed 8–1.
Mary Ellis Richardson, a local transportation advocate, urged the council to support microtransit and described a newly organized implementation team that includes community partners and city staff. "Because of your commitment, the micro transit implementation team has officially met," Richardson said, asking the council for continued support so the pilot can proceed in 2026.
Council Member Parker said she would not support the measure if it created lower-wage positions that undercut union jobs. "As the planning moves forward, that we don't create a program that turns union jobs into lower wage jobs," Parker said, urging staff to ensure staffing models preserve wages and benefits.
City staff and proponents said the microtransit program aims to complement existing Knoxville Area Transit service and address gaps for riders who cannot access fixed routes. The council approved the budget amendment on the second reading with a recorded outcome announced as "Motion carries 8–1." Staff said microtransit planning and public engagement will continue ahead of a possible 2026 rollout.
