In the late 80's, before the Tennessee Aquarium was open for business, planners and CARTA officials were trying to decide how to move the anticipated throngs of visitors and locals alike around downtown Chattanooga without causing gridlock. A high speed elevated light rail system was studied. Others preferred bringing back the electric trolley lines that once prevailed in the downtown area. Ultimately, the decision was made to pursue an electric shuttle system.
Dedication of the first electric shuttle was held on June 16, 1992. CARTA officials and local, state and federal dignitaries will gather on Thursday at 11:30 a.m. to celebrate the 20th anniversary of this unique downtown transportation system at the CARTA North Shuttle Plaza.
These electric shuttles transport people around the downtown and the North Shore areas saving gas and relieving congestion and tailpipe emissions. The system will soon record more than one million round trips to and from the Chattanooga Choo Choo and the Tennessee Aquarium. Additionally, more than three million miles will soon be traveled.
The free downtown electric shuttles have carried more than 16 million passengers over the past 20 years and currently average 900,000 passengers annually. Parking revenues and sponsorships are dedicated to defray the expenses of staffing and maintaining the fleet of 17 colorful vehicles.
Chattanooga’s free electric shuttle system operates 7 days a week, 362 days each year. The shuttles do not run on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Hours of operation are 6:30 a.m.-11 p.m. on weekdays, 9:30 a.m.-11 p.m. on Saturdays, and 9:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. on Sundays.
These shuttles now carry an average of 900,000+ annually – a mixture of visitors, downtown workers and residents. To date they have carried more than 16 million riders. Millions more see the shuttles as they move through downtown.
They use battery packs that can be changed out in a matter of minutes. The fleet currently includes 17 buses. Officials said, "This is environmentally friendly technology and when you park your car and experience downtown by shuttle you help reduce traffic congestion and air pollution."
Although free to ride, the annual cost (staffing, operations, maintenance) is now about $1.5 million. There are drop boxes on each shuttle and at the garages which allow riders to make donations. A minimum donation of one quarter per ride is recommended to help defray expenses. The electric shuttle is the least subsidized part of the CARTA operation as parking revenues pay its cost.
Interesting Facts:
1. 81% of the oil used in the United States is used for transportation.
2. Over 50% of the oil we use is imported.
3. Electric buses run on electric power generated by domestic
power plants, not on diesel fuel that is mostly imported.
4. Within the urban areas, over 50% of the air pollution is caused
by transportation.
Ridership totals over the years:
1992 - 525,762
1993 - 500,678
1994 - 515,736
1995 - 712,619
1996 - 734,164
1997 - 834,308
1998 - 921,619
1999 - 937,210
2000 - 875,013
2001 - 887,983
2002 - 983,024
2003 - 953,366
2004 - 950,315
2005 - 1,015,105
2006 - 776,400
2007 - 852,402
2008 - 911,106
2009 - 870,299
2010 - 784,244
2011 - 907,932
2012 - 389,662 through May
TOTAL – 16,449,285