In Chattanooga’s summer heat, many seek reprieve from the elements by escaping to the air conditioned indoors. But passengers and drivers on CARTA’s downtown shuttles have no such relief, as none of the 14 vehicles among the aging bus fleet are equipped with climate control.
According to Charles Frazier, CEO of the Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority, the downtown shuttles — all of which were purchased in the early 1990s — are well past their recommended lifespan of seven years.
Aside from the lack of air conditioning, Frazier said having a modern fleet would make the driver’s job easier as new shuttles would be equipped with power steering, something the current buses lack.
That does not include CARTA’s 55 fixed route buses, which transport passengers outside of downtown. Ten of those buses are past their recommended lifespan. All 55 have air conditioning.