Inaccurate Trolley ridership count could affect federal grant dollars

The city offers a free trolley service

City leaders have long touted a continuing increase in ridership throughout the Knoxville Area Transit system, particularly along the free downtown and university area routes navigated by the trolleys, the red and bronze-trimmed buses decked out to resemble vintage trams.

But, the numbers officials use are more than likely not accurate and not as high as reported, according to a WBIR 10News investigation. And, because of a federal grant formula in which more riders means more money, the bad information could impact how much federal money the city continues to receive for transit.

You can read the complete story and watch the video right here.