Chattanooga, TN– Since its launch in June 2024, CARTA’s Read & Ride program, in partnership with the Chattanooga Public Library, has provided thousands of free bus trips, giving Hamilton County students reliable transportation to library programs, afterschool activities, and more. What began as a summer pilot has now evolved into a successful, permanently available program that removes transportation obstacles and connects students to learning and enrichment opportunities.
CARTA CEO Charles Frazier noted a recurring theme of gaps in access, especially for students. “It became clear that many students needed reliable transportation to get to afterschool activities, work opportunities, the library, and other resources. Read & Ride was created to help break that barrier by ensuring students have a safe, dependable way to get where they need to go,” Frazier said. “The ridership numbers, the feedback from families, and the clear community impact made the decision straightforward. Our board unanimously agreed to move the pilot into a permanent part of our fare policy because the need, and the success, was undeniable.”
All Hamilton County Schools students in grades K–12 are eligible for a Read & Ride pass, which provides free access to CARTA buses and connects students to the library and other Chattanooga resources. Students in grades K–5 may ride free with one guardian, who also rides at no cost, while students in grades 6–12 may ride independently.
Chattanooga Public Library Executive Director Will O’Hearn noted that transportation was historically one of the biggest challenges families faced.
“We wanted to help remove obstacles and see what would happen. And what happened was transformative.”
“Seeing the impact on the whole community, how people can do things that they wouldn’t be able to do without this program, is truly an honor and a privilege. It’s one small but incredibly meaningful way we can make a real difference throughout the community, not just for now, but as we invest in our youth for generations.” Access to the library means students and families can easily reach books, makerspaces, exhibitions, studios, youth services, a wide range of learning programs, and more.
Chattanooga 2.0 also plays a vital role in the success of Read & Ride by aligning community partners and improving overall access. Through the Hamilton County Children’s Cabinet, Chattanooga 2.0 convenes local government leaders, education partners, and community organizations to coordinate solutions that support children and families. Chief Strategy Officer Brandon Hubbard-Heitz emphasized the importance of making public transit easy to navigate, “We wanted to remove any stigma, but also for those that hadn’t ridden, we wanted to remove the hindrance of not knowing how to ride,” he said. “What we’ve seen reflects that there is a real need, and our community is rising to meet it. CARTA’s willingness to step up and raise its hand along with the Chattanooga Public Library speaks to our community’s commitment to put kids first. If we want to truly change outcomes for kids, it’s going to take all of us coming together and working with each other.”
For students and families, Read & Ride means greater access to learning, enrichment, and independence. “This program gives young people access to opportunities, whether that’s getting to school, a job, an extracurricular activity, or reaching the library,” Frazier said. “Knowing that transportation is no longer a barrier for so many students makes me proud and grateful to be part of this work.”
By connecting students to education, library resources, afterschool programs, and other community opportunities, Read & Ride is helping ensure students can thrive both in and out of the classroom. With continued collaboration between local officials, education partners, and organizations, more students will have the tools and support they need to succeed and fully engage in their community.
More information on how to register for Read & Ride here.
CARTA Read & Ride FAQ here.
Hamilton County Out-of-School Time Program Locator here.
