Chattanooga's public transit system is celebrating its 50th anniversary by offering free rides Thursday on all CARTA buses.
Established on January 28, 1973 by the city of Chattanooga and Hamilton County governments, the Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority is marking a half century of service with the anniversary theme, "Focused on our Community."
The celebration also includes an employee appreciation day.
On Thursday, CARTA is showing appreciation to customers by waiving its usual ridership fees and offering free rides on all bus services. The golden anniversary celebration will conclude on Sunday with an awards and recognition dinner.
CARTA was formed from Southern Coach Lines, which previously provided transit services in Chattanooga.
CARTA has evolved over the past 50 years and added the nation's first free all-electric bus shuttle downtown, a paratransit service and the CARTA Care-a-Van for the elderly and disabled, in addition to its fixed route bus service. CARTA also operates the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway and a parking system with three parking garages and manages the collection and enforcement of downtown parking that includes parking meters and lots
Additional information on CARTA's routes, schedules and services may be obtained by calling the CARTA information line at (423) 629-1473 or by visiting the CARTA website at gocarta.org.
— Compiled by Dave Flessner