OAK RIDGE, TN (WOKI) – The City of Oak Ridge, in partnership with the East Tennessee Human Resource Agency (ETHRA), will implement improvements to the Oak Ridge Transit program next month.
Beginning October 1, 2025, Oak Ridge Transit riders will be able to use the curb-to-curb transit service at no cost to them. ETHRA will provide riders with a 30-day advance notice before fares resume. At that time, exact change will be required.
Trips must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance or by 3 p.m. the day prior to pick up.
Service Details
· Extended Hours of Operation: Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. (excluding New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day)
· Eligibility: All Oak Ridge residents; Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
· Curb-to-Curb: Vehicles pick up and drop off at the curb nearest the passenger’s location. Riders must be ready at the curb at the scheduled time.
Drivers may assist with boarding, exiting, securing seatbelts, and wheelchairs, but cannot enter homes or buildings. Passengers requiring additional help may bring an escort.
“Oak Ridge Transit riders will be allowed to bring up to four standard grocery-sized bags on board,” City of Oak Ridge Assistant to the City Manager Kendahl Moore said.
To keep trips efficient, riders should be prepared within 10 minutes of their scheduled time. Drivers will wait up to 5 minutes before reporting a no-show. Most trips will last 30 minutes or less.
Reservations and Dispatch
· Dispatch Hours: Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Phone: (865) 482-2785
· Reservations: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. | Phone: (865) 482-2785
· App Scheduling: Riders can schedule trips 24/7 using the ETHRA Public Transit App (available on the App Store and Google Play).
After downloading the app, call 1-800-232-1565 to request account access. Once approved, credentials and login details will be emailed. For more information, please visit the new and improved website at http://OakRidgeTransit.org or contact Oak Ridge Transit at (865) 482-2785.
