Chattanooga’s Public Transit System Set for Major Upgrades with New Transit Hub and Policy Changes

Exciting Developments for Chattanooga’s Public Transit System

Chattanooga is buzzing with excitement as the Chattanooga Area Regional Transit Authority (CARTA) is taking steps toward building a new traditional public bus station and transit hub right in the heart of downtown! This initiative is part of CARTA’s master plan to enhance transit options for residents and visitors alike. The goal? To create a more efficient, accessible, and user-friendly transportation system.

A Promising Location on the Horizon

City officials, along with CARTA, are currently on the hunt for city-owned property to house this new transit hub. They’re looking particularly between the river and the ridge in downtown Chattanooga and are hopeful to pinpoint a location well before Thanksgiving. “We’ve got the city’s support here,” said CARTA President and CEO Charles Frazier, who shared this exciting news in his monthly update to the board of directors.

This transit hub isn’t just a standalone project; it’s a crucial part of a wider vision called Plan Chattanooga and Plan Hamilton. This comprehensive plan, developed alongside the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Regional Planning Agency and the Chattanooga-Hamilton County/North Georgia Metropolitan Planning Organization, aims to enhance mobility for all community members. RPA Deputy Director Karen Rennich mentioned that a draft of Plan Hamilton will be presented in December, with Plan Chattanooga following in January. So stay tuned!

Advertising Policy Changes – A Mixed Bag of Reactions

In addition to the new transit hub, the CARTA board has voted to change advertising policies which will allow private businesses to construct bus stop shelters, benches, and concrete slabs at no cost to CARTA. After construction, these businesses can promote their ads on these facilities. This decision did spark some debate among the board members, particularly from Corey Evatt, who voiced concerns about the implications of allowing commercial ads in public spaces. He argued that too much advertising can overwhelm riders and may lead to a bias in bus stop placements.

On the other hand, CARTA’s leadership, including Mr. Frazier, expressed the importance of the advertising revenue stream, especially with an eye on the upcoming budget which currently shows a $1.9 million deficit in fiscal year 2025. “The words ‘fiscal cliff’ are always ringing in the back of my mind,” mentioned board chairman Johan de Nysschen, highlighting just how serious the situation is.

To quell some concerns, Chief Administrative Officer Veronica Peebles assured members that the new advertising policy will prohibit ads related to divisive or harmful topics like alcohol, tobacco, adult products, and political candidates. “We definitely control the content of the advertising messaging,” she confirmed.

New Programs and Community Input

Meanwhile, on a brighter note, the Incline Railway is getting some love too! CARTA has sold 81 annual passes since launching the program on August 1. Additionally, they’ve kicked off a one-year pilot program in partnership with the Chattanooga Public Library, which lends out one family bus pass per week (not valid during blackout dates from June 1 through August 1). It’s fantastic to see efforts focused on accessibility!

As part of the comprehensive planning processes, the community is encouraged to participate. Public input meetings are being organized throughout the fall, giving residents a chance to voice their thoughts and ideas about transportation and development in the area. One such meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 16, at the Friends of Hixson meeting at 8 a.m.

Looking Ahead

The new transit hub and changes being made to CARTA’s offerings represent a bright future for Chattanooga’s public transportation system. With continued community involvement and innovative planning, residents can look forward to a more robust, efficient, and user-friendly transit experience that accommodates everyone’s travel needs.

Let’s keep our eyes on this evolving story, folks, as Chattanooga moves toward a more connected and accessible future!