MOTA is now KAT. MOUNT VERNON — The Mid-Ohio Transit Authority merged into a County Transit Board on Jan, 31. MOTA’s new name is the Knox County Transit Board doing business as Knox Area Transit. KAT will have additional protections now with this merger such as legal advice through the county prosecutor since KAT is under the county umbrella. MOTA Administrator Hilary Patterson continues serving in the position as the transit administrator for KAT. Patterson has been with MOTA since Dec. 1, 2009. There will not be any changes in pricing or service, which provides door-to-door service, and provides around 11,000 rides a month in Knox County as well as the out-of-county service KAT provides. In Mount Vernon, shuttle vehicles run Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Those age 65 and over or disabled are eligible for half-price fare, and will be issued an Elderly & Disabled Discount Card.