Knox County transit reports strong ridership on new Mount Vernon routes; free pilot runs for one year

Knox County transit representative Bethany told the Board of Commissioners on Aug. 26 that the agency’s new Mount Vernon routes, launched June 2, are drawing strong ridership and have prompted operational changes.

"Last week alone, we had 345 trips on them," Bethany said, reporting an average of about 70 riders per day on the new lines. She said the Cash App Express route is the busiest and at times fills all nine seats, prompting plans to deploy larger vehicles and adjust CDL staffing.

The transit office is running a one-year pilot that makes four routes north of the river fare-free within Mount Vernon. Bethany said the pilot will continue for 12 months and be reevaluated based on ridership, budget implications and any changes to federal funding rules. "If there's continue to be strong, it would be silly to do away with them," she said, adding that the county may later implement fares or a pass program.

Operational improvements outlined by Bethany include new scheduling and dispatch software installed last month that provides night-before and "on the way" calls to riders, saving staff time and improving customer service. The system currently lacks online account access; Bethany said the county plans to explore app functionality and online payments as part of ongoing software rollout.

Other items in the update: two new buses arrived in June and roughly half the fleet has received new exterior wraps (11 complete, 11 planned); the transit office is considering a sheltered transfer area with seating at the new transit building near Habitat for Humanity; and staff continue to monitor underperforming routes that may be reconfigured or reduced in December.

Bethany also reviewed fares and payment setup: local in-city trips are $1, longer runs to Fredericktown/Apple Valley are $3, and travel to the county edge is $5 (reduced from prior rates). She gave one contact for setting up an account for automated payments: (740) 392-7433.

Board members asked about staffing and wages. Bethany said starting pay is $16.50 per hour, with most drivers paid $17–$18 after raises, and said she hopes to raise base pay to at least $17 to improve recruitment and retention. "We need good people," she said, noting the work involves customer service, wheelchair loading and operating in all weather.

The board did not take formal action on transit items during the update; Bethany said staff will continue to monitor performance and return with any recommended service or budget changes.