CARTA will celebrate the 30th anniversary of its free, all-electric shuttle system on Thursday at 11 a.m.
Since its inception in June 1992 that initially provided service from the Choo Choo to the Tennessee Aquarium, the electric shuttle system has expanded to service the North Shore and St. Elmo communities and has carried almost 24 million passengers.
The ceremony will be held at the CARTA Shuttle Park South Plaza at 1362 Market St., next to the Choo Choo.
In the late 1980’s, before the Tennessee Aquarium opened, 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. Several transportation options were considered; however, the decision was made to pursue an electric shuttle system. The dedication of the first electric shuttle was held on June 16, 1992.