Please note that the information on this site is offered for general purposes under normal conditions. Please adhere to all federal, state, and local guidelines relating to social distancing, the use of face coverings, and other ways to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. We strongly encourage you to read and follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines for travel during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Transit
Save money and let a professional drive you around: take public transportation! Instead of stressing out behind the wheel, use your travel time to relax, read the newspaper, visit with fellow riders, or catch up on email using CARTA’s free onboard Wi-Fi. All of CARTA’s buses are ADA accessible and have bike racks on board. Download the Transit app to see your transit options and visit CARTA’s web page for the latest information. Remember, CARTA’s downtown electric shuttle is free! Don’t forget to log your shuttle trips to earn points you can redeem for rewards.
How To Ride The Bus
Find out which bus you need with the Transit app, or by checking CARTA’s routes and schedules. If you need assistance, call the CARTA Information Line at (423) 629-1473, TDD users (423) 624-4534, Monday through Saturday from 6:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tell the customer service representative where you are and where you want to go, and the representative will provide you with the information you need.
CARTA bus stops are identified by red, white and blue signs. As CARTA bus drivers try very hard to stay on schedule, get to your bus stop a few minutes early to make sure that you don’t miss the bus. Before you board the bus, make sure that you are getting on the right bus by checking the destination and route number on the signs above the front windshield and on the curb side of the bus.
Have your bus fare or bus pass ready when you board the bus. Normal fare is $1.50 per trip, and only cash or bus passes are accepted on the bus. Click here for more information on discount programs and how to buy passes. Please have exact change as neither the CARTA bus drivers nor the fare boxes can make change. If you need to recharge your unlimited ride pass, please tell your bus driver. A 24-hour unlimited ride pass can be purchased on board from your bus driver.
When you get close to your destination, pull the yellow cord above your head or between the windows. This lets the bus driver know that you want to get off at the next bus stop. CARTA bus drivers can only stop at designated bus stops and where it is safe.