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KAT to Begin Fare-Free Operations during Orange and Red Ozone Alert Days

May 19, 2004

Effective immediately, KAT will begin offering fare-free service when Knoxville’s Ozone levels reach either Orange or Red levels, as specified by the state meteorologist.  This program, funded through a Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) grant, will be in effect throughout the summer.

Previous plans had the program beginning later in June, when Ozone typically begins.  Earlier than normal high ozone levels have brought the program out earlier.

"We are excited about rolling out this innovative program ahead of schedule and making an immediate impact on air quality in Knoxville,” says KAT General Manager, Mark Hairr.

Past fare-free days at KAT have included Earth Day and Try Transit Day, both of which have resulted in ridership increases of up to 22 percent.

This program complements other air-quality programs that KAT is conducting this summer, including the KAT Clean Fuels Program.  Throughout the summer months, KAT will be running buses on biodiesel, as well as operating propane and propane-electric hybrid vehicles.  “When we begin using biodiesel in our existing buses,” says Hairr, “90% or more of the KAT fleet will be running on alternative fuels.  This is a huge step. Combined with our Ozone Action Fare-free days, we are happy to say that we are one of several SOLUTIONS TO THE POLLUTION."

In addition to KAT’s Clean Fuels program and Ozone Action Days, KAT will also be working in coordination with the SmartTrips Program to offer monthly transit passes to downtown workers.  This grant program will offer the monthly passes free of charge to encourage downtown workers to use KAT throughout the year.

For more information on KAT routes and schedules, call 637-3000 or visit KAT’s website at www.katbus.com.