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Nashville’s $3.1 Billion Transportation Makeover

Aerial view of Nashville's urban transportation network

News Summary

Nashville has announced a transformative $3.1 billion transportation plan called ‘Choose How You Move,’ which will unfold over 15 years. This initiative features 11 key projects aimed at enhancing public transit, reducing commute times, and improving transportation infrastructure. Funded by a recent sales tax increase, the plan includes programs like the Low-income Fare Subsidy and various expansions and upgrades to the transit system. As Nashville gears up for profound changes, community reactions show optimism mixed with concerns about broad transportation issues.

Nashville Launches Ambitious $3.1 Billion Transportation Makeover

Nashville is gearing up for a major **transportation transformation** with the unveiling of the ‘Choose How You Move’ program. This exciting initiative, boasting a whopping **$3.1 billion** price tag, is set to roll out over a **15-year span** and is packed with 11 foundational projects aimed at enhancing the city’s transportation infrastructure and options.

Funding the Future

So, how will this grand plan be funded? Well, in **November 2024**, Davidson County voters gave a thumbs up to a half-cent sales tax increase, which went into effect in **February 2025**. Officials expect this sales tax bump to generate around **$59.3 million** by the end of the fiscal year on June 30. In light of this new influx of cash, the mayor has submitted a supplemental budget to the Metro Council to make the most of these funds.

The Key Projects Included

Now, let’s delve into the nitty-gritty of the key projects that are part of this ambitious program:

Low-income Fare Subsidy Program: This initiative aims to widen the net for those eligible for free or reduced fares on WeGo Public Transit. Planning and design work gets underway in spring, with hopes of launching this in the fall.
WeGo Service Expansion: Improvements to bus routes were previously announced in February, making those rides more frequent and accessible, alongside the addition of 12 new buses to the fleet.
Murfreesboro Pike Queue Jump: With this addition, buses can take a special lane to bypass 1,400 feet of waiting traffic, saving 2-4 minutes on travel time.
West End Curbside Bus Lane Pilot: Aimed at speeding up bus travel between **25th and 31st Avenue**, this will surely benefit commuters in one of the city’s busiest corridors.
Fiber Installation: To keep up with the demands of modern transportation technology, there are plans to enhance the fiber installations for systemwide signal upgrades.
Signal Upgrades: Upgrading **592 traffic signals** to smart signals is on the agenda, promising a smoother flow of traffic throughout the city.
South Broadway Transit Center: This new center is set to be built south of Broadway, making crosstown routes more convenient than ever.
Street Improvement Projects: Funding will go toward designing and planning **39 miles** of street infrastructure improvements. Get ready for smoother rides!
WeGo Public Transit Security Upgrades: To ensure the safety of passengers, contracted security hours will increase, and there will be an appointed Transit Liaison with the Metro Nashville Police Department.
New Bus Operations and Maintenance Facility: Since the current facilities are bursting at the seams, plans are in place to set up a new facility to accommodate the increased service levels.
Main Street/Gallatin Pike All-Access Corridor Phase 1: This project will design a corridor from **Interstate Drive** to **Eastland Avenue**, including new bus lanes, sidewalks, crosswalks, and bike facilities.

Community Conversations

The recent announcements have sparked a wave of conversations among Nashville residents. Many are excited about the potential benefits, including reducing commute times and enhancing overall quality of life. However, mixed opinions have surfaced, particularly regarding the effectiveness of the low-income fare subsidy program. Some see it as a welcome boost for those most in need, while others worry it might divert attention from broader transportation issues that still need addressing.

A Bright Future Ahead

As Nashville embarks on this ambitious journey, there’s a sense of **optimism** in the air. With these improvements, the goal is to create a more connected, accessible, and efficient transportation network that will positively impact the daily lives of residents across the city. Buckle up, Nashville! Big changes are coming your way.