In 1973, the City of Chattanooga purchased the assets of the former Southern Coach Lines, and formed the Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority. CARTA now operates 16 bus routes, trimmed down from 30, as some routes have been consolidated or eliminated.
In addition, CARTA also operates a free downtown shuttle bus service, utilizing electric buses, which runs between the Chattanooga Choo-Choo (the former Terminal Station Hotel) at 14th and Market Streets and the Bijou Theatre on Broad and 3rd Streets. Public parking is available at both locations. CARTA owns and operates the historic Lookout Mountain Incline Railway, which ascends from the St. Elmo neighborhood to the town of Lookout Mountain, Tennessee. CARTA also provides paratransit van services, called Care-A-Van.
As of August 16, 2015
1. Alton ParkChattanooga Choo-Choo, The Villages at Alton Park, Piney Woods, Wheeler Homes, Alton Park Health Center, Alton Park Recreation Center,
Howard School of Academics & Technology, Eckerd, Bi-Lo
2. North ChattanoogaNorth Market Street, North Shore Market, Coolidge Park, Renaissance Park, Spears Avenue, Cherokee Boulevard, CADAS, Johnson Mental Health Center, North Chattanooga Recreation Center
3. Enterprise SouthHamilton County Board of Education, Amazon Fulfillment Center, Volkswagen Group of America
3E/ER. Enterprise South/Eastgate & East RidgeEastgate Town Center, Camp Jordan Arena, Hamilton County Board of Education, Amazon Fulfillment Center, Volkswagen Group of America
3N. Enterprise South/NorthgateNorthgate Mall, Stockdale's, Hamilton County Board of Education, Amazon Fulfillment Center, Volkswagen Group of America
3O. Enterprise South/OoltewahWalmart (Ooltewah), Bi-Lo (Ooltewah), Hamilton County Board of Education, Amazon Fulfillment Center, Volkswagen Group of America
4. Eastgate/Hamilton PlaceUT-Chattanooga, UTC Place, Client Services Building/Human Services,
Tennessee Temple University, Brainerd Road, Eastgate Mall, Hamilton Place Mall, Walmart,
Lee Highway, Parkridge Hospital,
Warner Park5. North Brainerd "Dial-a-Ride" RouteEastgate Town Center, Brainerd High School, North Brainerd Community, Eastwood Manor, Dalewood Middle School, Woodmoore School, Foxwood Plaza, Wilson Air Center
6. East Brainerd "Dial-a-Ride" RouteHamilton Place Mall, East Brainerd Road, Gunbarrel Road, Gunbarrel Pointe, Memorial Atrium, Erlanger East, McCutcheon Road, Chattanooga State East Campus, Health Center at Standifer Place, Rainbow Creek Apartments, U.S. Express, Social Security Office
7. Chattanooga Housing AuthorityUTC, Erlanger, Fortwood Center, CARTA,
Engel Stadium, Warner Park, Alexian Brothers, Chattanooga Housing Authority located on Holtzclaw Avenue at Citico
8. Eastdale (Weekdays/Saturdays)Battery Heights, Tunnel Boulevard, Signal Centers, Greenwood Road, Foxwood Plaza
9. East LakeChattanooga Choo-Choo, Main Street, Dodds Avenue, Goodwill Industries, East Side Community Center, East Lake Courts, East Lake Academy of Fine Arts
10A. East Chattanooga-AvondaleUT-Chattanooga, Avondale, Dodson Avenue Health Center, Erlanger Medical Center, Hamilton County Health Department, Hardy Elementary School, Warner Park
10C. East Chattanooga-Campbell St.UT-Chattanooga, Glenwood, Erlanger Medical Center, Hamilton County Health Department, Memorial Hospital, Parkwood Nursing Home, Campbell Street, Highway 58, Warner Park
10G. East Chattanooga-GlenwoodUT-Chattanooga, Glenwood, Erlanger Medical Center, Hamilton County Health Department, Memorial Hospital, Parkwood Nursing Home, Parkridge Medical Center, Warner Park
13. RossvilleEast Lake Courts, 23rd Street, Chattanooga Community Kitchen, Senior Neighbors, Whiteside Faith Manor
14. "Mocs Express" (free shuttle for UT-Chattanooga students, faculty and staff.)UTC Campus, UTC Place, Engel Stadium, Downtown Chattanooga
15. St. ElmoSt. Elmo Ave and Broad Street
16. NorthgateNorthgate Mall,
Hixson Pike, Riverview, Highland Plaza, Lowe's, Kmart, Home Depot, Hobby Lobby, Stockdale's
19. Cromwell RoadChattanooga Metropolitan Airport, UT-Chattanooga, Erlanger Medical Center, Eastwood Manor, Cromwell Hills, Waterford Place, Main Postal Facility, Farley's & Sathers Candy Company, Wrigley, CARTA, Shepherd Road, Shallowford Road, Airport Road, Greyhound Bus Station, Chattanooga Housing Authority
21. Golden GatewayBoynton Terrace, College Hill Courts, Chattanooga Convention Center, Jaycee Towers Apartments, Overlook Apartments, Finley Stadium
28. Amnicola HighwayChattanooga State Community College, Chattanooga Area Food Bank, Police Services Center
As of 17 November 2015, fares rates for their respectable services are:
Bus -
Adult: $1.50Child (under 6): FREE with paying passenger, limit 3.Senior Citizens (Ages 65+): $0.75 (CARTA Special Fare I.D. Card Required+)Persons with Disability: $0.75 (CARTA Special Fare I.D. Card Required+)Students: $0.75 (CARTA Student Bye Pass Card Required for students in Grades 6-12)+Medicare card is accepted as proof of eligibility for the CARTA Special Fare ID Card.
CARTA Care-A-Van -
One way: $2.50Round Trip: $5Specials -
24 Hour Unlimited Ride Pass: $431 Day Unlimited Ride Pass: $50