Knox County transit reports rising ridership after route changes, but faces staffing, budget and fleet pressures

Bethany, presenting for Knox County Transit, told commissioners on Sept. 30 that weekly ridership rose from roughly 1,400–1,500 trips in August to about 1,796 the week of Sept. 8–12 after schools reopened. “We had about, we kinda we’re around 1,500 to 1,400 trips each week in August,” she said.

The increase reflects a shift the agency is trying to encourage from on‑demand trips to fixed routes, Bethany said, though demand for on‑demand service remains. A commissioner asked whether the trend was an anomaly or a lasting change; Bethany replied the system is “quickly changing,” adding that she estimated only “1 to 2% of our riders that are not making that transition.”

At the same time, Knox County Transit is operating with reduced staff after a 12.5% cut to its fiscal‑year budget. “We have cut 3 full time driver positions. We also cut a dispatch position,” Bethany said, noting the agency has felt the pinch in recent weeks and sometimes must deny on‑demand requests because of limited driver availability.

Bethany outlined the agency’s fare structure: Mount Vernon routes cost $1 each way; nearby towns such as Fredericktown and Apple Valley are about $3 each way; and longer county trips to Danville and Centreburg cost $5 each way. There is a 50% discount for seniors, students, people with disabilities, first responders and veterans.

New software now reports unique on‑demand riders, Bethany said, and the system counted 484 unduplicated on‑demand riders in August. She noted that workforce trips account for about 45% of system use, stressing operational pressure to meet time‑sensitive commutes.

Fleet condition also looms as a near‑term issue. Bethany gave a maintenance snapshot showing roughly $158,000 in annual maintenance costs covered mostly by an 80%‑reimbursed grant, with about $31,000 in local funds. She warned that older vehicles are experiencing transmission failures and that replacement procurement is slow: vehicles ordered in April may take nine to 12 months to arrive. “We have about 6 vehicles that really probably should have been gone by now,” she said, and older units typically fetch only a few thousand dollars at auction in that condition.

Bethany described efforts to improve rider experience at stops and the transfer station, saying she has been contacting property managers to place signage and pursuing potential bus shelters — including discussions with Walmart — but that some managers have not approved signs. She also noted an evening employer bus operating from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. that runs about 24 trips per night and could benefit from an additional vehicle or sponsorship if staffing allows.

Commissioners pressed on access and outreach, including whether older riders could be transitioned to routes and how riders schedule service (by phone and email). Bethany urged patience when customers receive denials and said the agency is prioritizing trips for riders who need on‑demand service the most.

The board was also told the county is set to acquire a warehouse for transit operations; demolition is complete and closing documents were scheduled for signature the following week.