After years of compelling discussions about establishing a fixed-route bus system in Morristown, the East Tennessee Human Resources Agency is moving the proposal from the drawing board to the streets.

In cooperation with the City of Morristown, East Tennessee Human Resource Agency, Lakeway Area Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization (LAMTPO) and the Tennessee Department of Transportation a study was completed for a fixed route bus service within the Morristown Area. The study provided a unique opportunity to under-stand the potential for a fixed route bus service in the Morristown portion of the urbanized area, and how the service could best meet the growing mobility needs of the community. Though local stakeholder meetings, public outreach meetings, and reviewing the potential fixed route areas, three (3) routes were established.

The three (3) routes, will include bus stops at health-care facilities, shopping destinations, the health department/library, and public housing. Two (2) of the routes will have one (1) bus that will circulate approximately once every hour. The third (3rd) route, which runs along West Andrew Johnson Hwy and East/ West Morris Blvd, will have two (2) buses which means riders will have to wait no longer than 30 minutes for a bus.

Fares will be $1.50 per trip, with a $0.50 transfer fee if needed. Monthly passes will be $40.00 per month for unlimited rides. Half Fare Discounts will be available for individuals with disabilities, seniors over the age of 65, college students (with valid ID), and military veterans.

The on-call demand-response service will still be available, fares will be $3.00 per trip for individuals whose residence is not located on the fixed routes. Any one requesting the demand response service must complete an application and be approved for this service. Information can be found at www.lakewaytransit.com. If a person’s application is approved, then they must call 1-833-923-0032 at least 24 hours in advance in order to schedule a trip.

The Lakeway Transit Center hub is located at the East Tennessee Human Resources Agency existing headquarters located at 2800 West Andrew Johnson Highway. The fixed route bus service operations will be from 7 am to 6 pm, Monday through Friday with no fixed route service on Holidays.

The fixed route bus service implementation date is Tuesday, February 16, 2021 and a ribbon cutting is scheduled for Thursday, March 11, 2021, 10:30 am at the Lakeway Transit Center 2800 West Andrew Johnson Highway.

Mike Patterson, ETHRA Transportation Director