Residents Urge Infrastructure Focus In Plan Update, Growth
Cookeville residents are calling for a heightened focus on infrastructure and transportation as city officials update the 2050 Comprehensive Plan Resident Sam Matson said the city should prioritize options for getting around town that do not involve a car. Matson said he supports the bicycle network plan but wants to see it implemented more aggressively. […]
Averitt Wins Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Award
Cookeville-based Averitt won the Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Award for Clean Air and Transportation Solutions, announced Monday. Averitt Vice President of Marketing and Communications Gina Billings said the recognition is not just an honor, but recognition for the company’s sustainability efforts. Billings said Averitt is committed to sustainability, which is important for the entire transportation industry. […]
UCHRA Go Routes See Increased Use After Removing Fare
Go Route Buses across the Upper Cumberland have seen ridership increase some 66 percent over the last year. UCHRA Public Transportation Director Holly Montooth said much of the increase came after the agency eliminated fares. All told, UCHRA has made some 327,000 trips in the last year transporting residents. “Any place within the cities that […]
Bus Driver Shortage Still Mixed Bag Across UC
Upper Cumberland school systems continue to work through issues with finding school bus drivers and substitute drivers. DeKalb County Transportation Manager Billy Rhody said he said they have routes covered, but do not have enough substitutes. He said when a driver is out, they have to make changes and double up routes in order to […]
Putnam Sheriff’s To Apply For Mental Health Patient Transportation Grant
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office will apply for a grant to help cover the cost of transporting mental patients from medical hospitals to mental hospitals. Sheriff Eddie Farris said it is the responsibility of all Sheriffs in the state to be in charge of these transportations. He said that they have become more taxing because […]
UCHRA Transportation In Need Of New Vehicles And Parts
UCHRA’s transportation department feeling the pressures of today’s vehicle and part shortages. Executive Director Mark Farley said the current fleet has several maintenance issues. Farley said the fear is that the agency’s routes may be impacted. “We are running into situations where particular parts of the vehicle we can’t get repaired,” Farley said. “We do […]
Jackson Schools Looking For Tutoring Resources, Transportation Through ESSER
The Jackson County School System is focusing on capital projects and learning loss in its latest ESSER application. Director of Schools Kristy Brown said the district is applying to put awnings on school buildings and outdoor classrooms. However, Brown said the district decided to go above and beyond what is required for learning loss spending […]
TCAT-Livingston Applying For Robots, Transportation And More Teachers
TCAT-Livingston and Six Upper Cumberland School Districts are partnered on a $1 million grant application. The application is through Tennessee’s GIVE 2.0 program. Operations and Facilities Vice President Jeff Slagle said the goal is to grow the region’s advanced manufacturing programs. Slagle said a large portion of the funding is aimed at getting students accustomed […]
White County Transportation Software Saving Time And Money
A new transportation software update allows White County School System buses to run routes more efficiently. Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger said the software update allows for faster route scheduling and street level mapping. Dronebarger said the software has even allowed for the elimination of one bus route so far. “We did come across one […]
UCHRA Seeking Regional Input On Services Needed
UCHRA is looking for residents across the region to take its Community Needs Assessment to help focus service efforts. Community Services Assistant Director Megan Spurgeon said UCHRA wants input from citizens, elected officials, law enforcement and more. Spurgeon said services are often tied to a certain poverty level, however that has expanded during the pandemic. […]
