Riders urge BRT and fare-free options; resident asks for clarity on reported paratransit cuts

Three members of the public used the meeting's comment period to press KTA on service improvements, fare policy and paratransit concerns.

Braxton Morris, who identified himself as 14 years old, urged KTA to pilot an "initial BRT service" beginning with Route 11 on Kingston Pike and recommended neighborhood feeder stops to channel riders into faster service. "A BRT system would be incredibly beneficial to Route 11," Braxton said, and argued that improved stops and higher frequency would increase ridership and reduce car dependency.

Elliot Lloyd recommended broader fare-free periods to boost ridership — suggesting free fares up to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or a week-long trial in October — and argued for a Route 1 stop in South Knoxville and improved shelters and seating at bus stops. "Some stops should also have public restrooms and water fountains at or near the stop," Lloyd said, saying better amenities would increase utility and accessibility.

Sharwin Snelson raised a separate concern about paratransit service (the agency's Lift), reporting he had heard the service might be cut "from 24 down to 12" routes and asking whether that was true, whether the public had been consulted and whether the agency had considered negative impacts on riders. "If this is a rumor, please someone let me know this is not true," Snelson said, asking staff to clarify and consider the risks of replacing experienced drivers with less-experienced hires for Lift service.

Chair invited staff to follow up; the meeting transcript records the questions but does not include a detailed staff response on the paratransit rumor or an immediate policy answer in the public record.