UCHRA Public Transportation’s Go Routes recorded the highest annual ridership in the history of the service during Fiscal Year 2026, with 125,597 passenger trips across Cumberland, Putnam and Warren counties.
Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency reported that total represents a 17.6% increase over the previous fiscal year and continues a multi-year trend of significant growth in demand for fare-free public transportation throughout the Upper Cumberland region.
“The continued growth highlights the increasing demand for accessible, reliable public transportation throughout the region and the essential role Go Routes play in connecting residents with employment, health care, education, shopping, and other daily needs,” UCHRA said in a written statement.
In Cumberland County, 26,670 passenger trips were taken via Go Routes, which operates deviated fixed-route bus services to provide residents with reliable transportation to employment, medical appointments, educational opportunities, shopping and other essential destinations.
Bus routes are in Crossville, Algood, Cookeville and McMinnville.
In Putnam County, 74,720 passenger trips were taken in 2026, with 24,207 trips in Warren County.
Over the past four fiscal years, annual ridership has increased from 43,595 passenger trips to 125,597, representing an overall increase of 188.1% and nearly tripling the number of passengers served, UCHRA continued in its written statement.
Passengers can make riding more convenient by tracking their Go Route bus in real time using the Passio GO UC mobile app, available through the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, or by visiting the Go Routes page at UCPublicTransit.com.
“The milestone also reflects the dedication of UCHRA Public Transportation’s drivers, dispatchers, county coordinators, mechanics and support staff, whose commitment helps keep communities connected every day,” UCHRA said in the written statement.
UCHRA Public Transportation operates a variety of transportation services throughout the Upper Cumberland, helping residents access employment, health care, education, shopping and other essential destinations while supporting mobility and quality of life across the region.
Visit www.uchra.org for more information about UCHRA, Community Intervention programs, and other services.
The Upper Cumberland Development District provides regional planning and assistance to the 14-county Upper Cumberland region to promote economic growth and community enhancement.