It seems like there should be a single group terminal for Greyhound, Megabus, Napaway, KAT, or any other bus line that may come to exist.

And if passenger rail should come someday it should be close to that terminal.

And you should be able to get to airport somewhat easily.

(link...)

A little dated but a lot of info
TDOT Intercity Bus Report

from Tennessee Intercity Bus Needs Assessment, August 2017:

Based on the input from stakeholders, the public survey, the intercity bus data and propensity analysis, and the evaluation of transportation services provided by the HRAs, the conclusion is that the intercity bus service needs across Tennessee are being adequately met. This provides the
basis for TDOT to recommend the issuance of a Governor’s certification to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).

(The Federal Transit Administration provides financial and technical assistance to local public transit systems, including buses, subways, light rail, commuter rail, trolleys and ferries. FTA also oversees safety measures and helps develop next-generation technology research.)

The assessment was written in 2017, when Knoxville still had a Greyhound bus terminal.

So, the question is, why hasn't Knoxville applied to the FTA for funds to cover the city's expense in providing access to the downtown transit facility for extended hours to protect the safety and provide for personal needs of intercity travelers?

Not sure if they will restart the route thru Knoxville. But looks pretty good in case it does.

Napaway

10+ HOURS on this FIRST CLASS Bus from DC to Nashville

While the City/KAT does apply for Federal and State funding, that funding is exclusively for KAT (i.e. public transit) purposes. The FTA and US DOT only offer local funding support for public transit agencies (sometimes non-profits, but Greyhound is for-profit), so seeking funding from them to subsidize Greyhound or their use of a public facility is not something we can pursue. Other cities such as Chattanooga are in a similar position of providing a quality public transit option within their cities, but do not/cannot offer public financial subsidy of private enterprise.

However, as mentioned, the City is aware of Greyhound seeking out a safe and accessible location for its service beyond use of the KAT Kirkwood Superstop, and we understand that they are currently in progress of securing a location.

Carter Hall

Director of Strategic Policy & Programs

In 2022, Greyhound sold its station at the corner of East Magnolia Avenue and Central Avenue. The Knoxville stop was moved three times that year. Now, it's located at the Knoxville Area Transit Superstop on Kirkwood Street. But East Knoxville community leaders say it needs to change because there are many problems with the current stop.

East Knoxville community leaders say Greyhound passengers are waiting in the heat, sometimes overnight

For the life of me I don't understand why they can't use the terminal downtown that KAT uses. To be dropping people off or picking them up from a bench is ridiculous. You would think a private company such as Greyhound could offer a better service.

And without competition, who or what could make them do anything? Capitalism at its best.