Origins During the Manhattan Project (1940s)
In the early 1940s, Oak Ridge was rapidly constructed as a secret city to support the Manhattan Project. With a workforce exceeding 70,000 and facilities spread over 59,000 acres, reliable mass transit was essential. The Central Bus Terminal, built on the Oak Ridge Turnpike in February 1944, was the first to be opened within the residential area, followed by Jefferson Terminal in May 1944. Annual ridership grew from 200,000 in 1944 to over a million by 1945. The number of residential routes expanded from five to 21, with buses running every 2 to 30 minutes.
Post-War Transition and Modernization (1950s–2000s)
After World War II, the demand for bus services decreased as the workforce reduced. However, Oak Ridge maintained a public transportation system to serve its residents. Over the decades, the service adapted to the city's changing needs, including the expansion of routes and the introduction of more modern vehicles. The Oak Ridge Transit program's operation was eventually taken over by the East Tennessee Human Resource Agency (ETHRA), which continues to manage the service today.
Current Operations (2010s–Present)
Today, Oak Ridge Transit operates as a curb-to-curb, demand-response transportation service within the city limits. The service is available Monday through Saturday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Reservations must be made 24 hours in advance by calling 865-482-2785. The fare is $2.00 per one-way trip, and the service is open to all residents, with additional assistance available for those who require it.
