KISS Caboose adds cute new vehicles, and soon, karaoke, to its free rides around Knoxville
When Gina Kelly rolls up driving on the right side of an imported white microvan named Twinkie that’s decorated with blue and yellow dots, you know you’re in for a fun (and free) ride with lots of laughs.
Kelly is the co-owner and primary driver for Knoxville Information Shuttle Service. Also known as KISS Caboose, the shuttle service offers free rides around downtown and surrounding areas, while also serving as an “ambassador” for local businesses.
Twinkie, one of the newest KISS Caboose additions, made her debut during the first University of Tennessee home football game last fall.
“I swear, the number of people that took her picture was probably 100, that I know about, because people were like, ‘What is that?’” Kelly recalled to Knox News.
Twinkie is a small van from Japan that can seat up to five passengers. It has been modified with a bench and an inverter for phone chargers and the two tablets that showcase local business ads and city info.
Kelly and her husband, Sean, launched KISS Caboose in 2020 with a six-seat Polaris Ranger utility vehicle named Polly, and quickly added a second cart as shuttle rides increased. But to better meet passenger and operation needs, KISS has continued evolving, with one major factor remaining as the service’s focus.
“This needs to be fun. That's my number one goal here,” Kelly said. “(It’s) about maintaining the fun and making an impact on the people that we meet.”
KISS Caboose transported more than 15,000 passengers and drove over 10,000 miles last year, according to company records.
What’s new with KISS Caboose?
KISS Caboose now has three vehicles in operation, including two climate-controlled microvans and one Polaris Ranger that can seat up to five passengers.
Passengers are likely to be shuttled via the microvans because of increased street access and easier mobility. Polly, the Polaris Ranger, might be available on warm days and for tours.
Four drivers now help Kelly drive the shuttles.
Customized tours to see Knoxville sights can be scheduled. KISS also can be contracted for private events.
Exterior ads have been added to the shuttles, increasing local business exposure.
Where does the KISS Caboose go?
KISS Caboose does not have a set route. The coverage area is primarily downtown, the UT campus and surrounding neighborhoods.
Shuttles can be spotted around downtown, Old City, North Knoxville and South Knoxville
KISS Caboose serves downtown hotels and Airbnb guests, and offers rides for those attending events at stadiums, concert halls and the convention center.
When is KISS Caboose available?
KISS Caboose can be seen on the road throughout the week because flexibility of operational hours has increased. Weekly hours are posted on social media.
The guaranteed operational hours are 5 p.m. to midnight on Fridays and 4 p.m. to midnight on Saturdays.
Hours are extended for special events such as games, concerts and conventions.
The KISS Caboose experience
Knox News recently tagged along with Kelly for a ride. As Kelly put it, Twinkie was “at the spa” for some TLC, so we hopped in the other KISS Caboose microvan (which still needs a name).
“I always tell people I feel like a biscuit fixing to pop out of can,” Kelly joked as she got behind the wheel of the small van from the right side.
Kelly’s humor and quick wit were evidence that we were in for a fun adventure as we left Market Square and headed to North Knoxville. She says she often cracks jokes and enjoys developing connections with passengers during rides, which are typically seven to 10 minutes long.
“It's about spreading positivity,” Kelly said. “I want to talk to people. I want to make eye contact with people.”
Driving through Old City, she began an impromptu game of trivia, posing one question about actor Leonardo DiCaprio and another about NBA teams. Not long after this Knox News reporter failed both trivia questions, a microphone slid across the dashboard as we made a turn.
“So, this is a conversation piece,” Kelly explained. “Well, it's a karaoke microphone.”
If trivia isn’t your thing, just have a quick karaoke session while aboard the KISS Caboose. Right now, the microphone is for anyone who wants to have a little fun, but a mobile karaoke system will be coming soon.
Kelly has two years’ worth of shuttle ride stories that she loves sharing, like the two men who needed a ride back to their car after floating down the Tennessee River on an air mattress.
“I said, ‘You're gonna have to deflate that air mattress. I don't have room for that in this thing,’” Kelly recalled.
KISS Caboose allows Kelly to share these stories with Knoxvillians, students, parents, grandparents and tourists, all while providing a service and promoting business. And in addition to rides, KISS Caboose drivers can offer restaurant and entertainment suggestions and other things to do in the city.
They also release a music flier every Friday. It features live music performances at venues throughout the downtown area. The flier is posted on KISS Caboose’s social media and handed out to hotels.
KISS Caboose has no plans to expand its fleet of vehicles or coverage area, but new things are on the horizon.
What’s next for KISS Caboose?
Scavenger hunt bingo will be a team activity that will get people to explore sites within the KISS Caboose coverage area while performing tasks. High scores will be recorded on social media.
KISS Caboose Karaoke soon will be a planned activity and not just an impromptu moment for passengers.
KISS Caboose and Gina Kelly will be featured on an upcoming episode of “The American Dream,” a show featuring real estate agents showcasing their cities. The syndicated show airs on cable outlets nationwide.
KISS Caboose also will be increasing availability for private events in 2023.
To book a ride with KISS Caboose, call 865-722-0779. You can use the same number to advertise with the shuttle service, or email [email protected].
Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter for Knox News. He can be reached by email at [email protected]. Follow Devarrick on Twitter @dturner1208.
Enjoy exclusive content and premium perks while supporting strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: KISS Caboose offers free downtown Knoxville transportation
