Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency is in talks with local officials to have shelters constructed at some of its bus stops.

UCHRA county coordinator Carrie Baker is optimistic, saying, “They should be done by the end of the year.”

UCHRA established two bus routes in McMinnville in September 2019. 

The buses make stops around town and can also be flagged down by someone needing a ride.

The shelters would help attract people to the buses and make those waiting for a bus more comfortable and safe, Baker said. She added they’re asking for five shelters to be placed at high-volume stops on the bus route.

The cost is $1 to ride. One-day passes are $3, and a monthly pass is $25, which includes 30 trips. Veterans, people with disabilities, and those over the age of 60 only pay 50 cents per ride.

Trips out of town to Manchester/ Tullahoma, Cookeville, and Murfreesboro are available by appointment, and offered every weekday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. 

Trips to Chattanooga are available by request on Wednesdays, and Nashville trips are scheduled to depart from McMinnville every weekday at 6 a.m. and 11 a.m., and return at 12:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Trips out of town have higher costs.

“Our number of riders are always higher at the first of the month,” said Baker. “It could be somewhere around 137 a day. The numbers can vary every day.” She said they are usually busy.

Baker said, “Our numbers slowed down a little during the pandemic, but the numbers are still strong.” With new shelters on the horizon, the use of these buses are expected to grow. She also said the organization is looking for more drivers.

Bus route hours are Monday thru Thursday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

To find the costs of out-of-town trips, see the Warren County zone card, or schedule a trip, call (931) 473-6652, or visit their website at ucpublictransit.com for more information.