Knoxville celebrates purchase of first all-electric bus

Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) celebrated the purchase of its first all-electric bus with Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero and others, with an announcement and a ride on the bus from the manufacturer New Flyer.  

KAT says it is hopeful that the new buses will begin operating on Route 17 – Sutherland at the beginning of 2021. 

Over the past several years, KAT has been expanding into alternative fuel options and now 33 percent of the current fleet are hybrid electric vehicles. The next stage – all-electric vehicles – is a part of the city of Knoxville’s overall sustainability strategy. Programs such as the LED streetlight upgrades, energy upgrades to housing in the Community Development Department and encouraging biking, walking and transit, are all helping Knoxville to reach sustainability goals. 

“KAT has played a big role in helping us exceed our goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions for city operations — 20 percent by year 2020,” said Mayor Rogero. “Investing in this new fleet of electric buses builds on this history of sustainability as we embrace the next generation of transit technology.” 

With 44 percent of the community’s emissions coming from transportation – mostly driving – the city continues to invest in transit and encourage people to explore options to driving alone. Knoxville’s increased investment in KAT during Rogero’s two terms has resulted in more frequent and later service on nearly all routes, and a 12 percent increase in ridership. 

“We are grateful to Mayor Rogero and Council for their support in improving transit service in Knoxville,” said Doug Lawyer, chair of KAT. “It is exciting to see the positive public response to this increased investment, which benefits Knoxville both from an economic and environmental standpoint.” 

The new all-electric vehicles will operate on one of Knoxville’s most diverse bus routes. The Route 17 – Sutherland goes from downtown through UT, Mechanicsville and Marble City to Bearden and the Forest Heights neighborhood. Along the way, the route serves graduate students, seniors, high school students and others in the community, providing access to groceries, schools  and a variety of services.