Knoxville (WVLT) - Knoxville transit riders filled the city county building Thursday night to show their support for the KAT bus routes.

Dozens of people from the Halls community showed up to protest the cancellation of the Halls route. Knox County commissioner Larry Smith stood up and spoke on behalf of his constituents. Another rider said this is the worst time to drop the route with gas prices as high as they are.

"I have a 21-month-old and a stay at home wife with only one vehicle. The route is critical for my wife to have the car for emergencies," said Richard Hertzog, who is against route cancellations.

Riders said they would rather pay an increased fee than eliminate the route all together.