On Sept. 2, staff and leadership representing Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency (UCHRA) joined with local and city officials to celebrate the official launch of Pick Up Cookeville. 

This new, on-demand service offered by UC Public Transportation, a division of UCHRA, and powered by Uber Technologies, will provide on-demand mobility; something the agency hasn’t offered until now. 

“This has been a significant undertaking by our staff and they have all worked incredibly hard to launch Pick Up Cookeville,” Holly Montooth, Transportation Director, said. “We’re also thankful for the partnership with Routematch Uber Technologies and the grant funding from the Tennessee Department of Transportation that helped to bring this project to life.” 

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Pick Up Cookeville allows riders to quickly and easily schedule a trip at a moment’s notice and simply enjoy the ride to their destination. This new service also allows UC Public Transportation to tap into the after-hours and weekends clientele. Rides cost only $6. 

Since the soft launch of the service in early August, Pick Up Cookeville has safely provided approximately 168 on-demand trips across Cookeville and Putnam County. 

Drivers for Pick Up Cookeville must meet the same rigorous drug-, alcohol-, and background checks required of all UC Public Transportation drivers and complete all required training prior to picking up their first client; providing riders with additional peace of mind when traveling around town.

“We’re excited to be able to offer on-demand transportation in-house and meet the evolving needs of our clients and community,” said Mark Farley, UCHRA Executive Director. 

Pick Up Cookeville is currently hiring new drivers to join the team. Visit ucpublictransit.com or uchra.org/careers to learn more and apply.