Nashville Residents Discuss Proposed $3.1 Billion Transit Plan Ahead of Election

Nashville Residents Weigh in on Proposed Transit Plan

Nashville, Tenn. – As the clock ticks down to the upcoming election on November 5, local transit enthusiasts and everyday passengers alike are taking a closer look at Nashville’s proposed transit plan. This plan has been stirring up conversations among residents, with some applauding the needed improvements while others raise eyebrows over potential costs.

Nashville Transit: A Work in Progress

One vocal supporter of public transit is a Nashville resident who frequently rides the WeGo buses. He emphasizes that while the buses are already doing a decent job of getting commuters from point A to point B, he believes there’s always room for improvement. “The bus gets the job done,” he shares, “but I think we could seriously enhance our system.”

And he’s not alone! The proposed plan aims to do just that by adding features like completing a sidewalk network, boosting the number of transit centers, and enhancing overall road safety. Not to mention, the plan includes an expansion of public transportation services available 24/7, increases to bus service on key routes, and upgrades to traffic signals throughout the city.

Balancing Costs and Benefits

While some residents, like our bus-riding friend, feel that improving transit is worth any price tag, others think differently. The proposed enhancements are estimated to come with a hefty price tag of about $3.1 billion. Funding the plan would require a sales tax increase of half a percent, alongside federal grants and revenues raised from fares. This has led to mixed feelings among Nashville voters.

Emily Evans, a spokesperson for a group called the Committee to Stop Unfair Tax, expressed concern regarding the financial implications. “We’re surprised that after a 34% property tax increase in 2020, and with another one likely in 2025 coupled with 20% cumulative inflation, there’s now a proposal for a sales tax increase,” Evans explained.

Community Impact in Focus

Another significant part of the transit plan includes a partnership with developers to acquire land for new housing, parks, and community spaces near transit centers. The ultimate goal is to create more affordable housing options for Nashville’s residents. “I think it may drastically change neighborhoods,” Evans cautions, noting that such developments could make areas surrounding transit hubs much more attractive.

In response to these concerns, the Office of Mayor Freddie O’Connell released a statement. They posit that the “Choose How You Move” initiative aligns with the city’s local land use priorities and reflects Metro’s General Plan, Nashville Next. This plan places the most frequent or new bus routes along the busiest and most densely populated corridors of the city. Moreover, it was pointed out that most federal transportation funding programs do not take land use and zoning into account in their evaluations, which could be a significant oversight.

Looking Ahead: It’s Up to the Voters

Ultimately, it is Nashville’s residents who will decide the fate of this ambitious transit initiative. The referendum will be on the same ballot as the presidential candidates, giving voters a chance to weigh in on the future of transit in their city. Early voting has already kicked off and runs until October 31, with Election Day set for Tuesday, November 5.

As Nashville prepares to make a decision that could reshape its transportation landscape, residents are keenly aware that the outcome will have lasting impacts on their daily commutes, neighborhoods, and overall quality of life. Whether it’s about tackling cost concerns or embracing the vision for a better-connected city, Nashvillians are ready for the conversation—and the vote.