Exciting Upgrade for Knoxville Transit: KAT Launches Cashless Payment System katpay

Exciting Changes Coming to Knoxville: KAT Goes Cashless with katpay!

Knoxville, Tennessee is buzzing with news as the local transit system, Knoxville Area Transit (KAT), gears up for a significant upgrade to how riders can pay for their bus fares. Starting on October 23, KAT will roll out a brand new cashless fare payment system called katpay. This development promises to make bus travel easier and more convenient for everyone!

What is katpay?

So, what exactly is katpay? It’s an account-based fare payment system that lets riders ditch cash and use technology for seamless travel. Riders can take advantage of katpay via the Transit app or by using a special tappable plastic card. This means no more fumbling for coins or worrying about exact change—simply tap, and you’re good to go!

Affordable Fares for Everyone

One of the best features of katpay is that it keeps things affordable. With this new system, no rider will ever pay more than $2 a day or $30 in 30 days. For those who qualify for discounted fares, the costs are even lower at just $1 a day or $15 in 30 days. And, here’s the kicker: katpay tracks your usage, so once you hit the daily or monthly cap, you won’t be charged any further!

Setting Up Your katpay Account

Getting started with katpay is pretty straightforward. Riders can create an account on the Transit app or register their katpay card via the online web portal. To load money onto their katpay accounts, folks can do so through several convenient methods: in the Transit app, online, at the KAT Customer Service Center, or even at select retail locations.

A Special Offer to Get You Started

For those interested in getting a katpay card, there’s good news! The plastic card costs $4, but for a limited time, the first card is absolutely free! You can pick up these cards at the KAT Customer Service Center, which is open Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to noon.

From October 23 to December 31, KAT has a special promotion where anyone who purchases a katpay card will get a $4 credit added to their account! Not to be outdone, those who create a katpay mobile account during this period will also receive the same $4 credit. It’s a fantastic way to kick-start your new transit experience!

Public Meeting and Next Steps

Interested riders should mark their calendars! A public information meeting will be held on September 16 at 5 p.m. in the Knoxville Station Community Room. This will be a great opportunity to learn more about katpay and ask any questions you might have. Plus, on September 26, the Knoxville Transportation Authority Board will meet to consider the recommendations surrounding the new fare payment system.

Building on Previous Improvements

This new system follows the implementation of KAT’s revamped network of bus routes that debuted on August 26. The changes are part of the KAT Reimagined project, which began in 2021 and aims to boost reliability and increase access to jobs across the Knoxville area. Riders may remember another recent feature: a mobile ticketing option that KAT introduced in late 2023, allowing for easy trip planning and fare payment right through the Transit app.

Wrap Up

So, Knoxville, get ready to ride into the future! With katpay, bus travel just got a little simpler and a lot more user-friendly. Whether you’re a regular commuter or just hopping on the bus every now and then, this exciting update is bound to enhance your travel experience. Be sure to keep an eye out for the launch and take full advantage of the introductory offers!