Jacob Francy, 26
Nashville is so far behind the rest of the big cities across the nation, and a leading reason is the fact our transportation is managed horrendously due to the consistent rise in population. It was so bad that Nashville was ranked the worst commute in the country per citizen by Forbes in 2023.
It’s time for a change to upgrade Nashville into a city that works for everyone. This year, all across Davidson County, a referendum to implement a new public transit system across Nashville will be voted on the election ballot this year.
So, what’s the plan?
There are four main categories in which this plan upgrades: service, signals, sidewalks, and safety.
Service:
285 upgraded bus stops
12 strategically located transit centers
54 miles of high-capacity transit corridors, including bus rapid transit routes
80% increase in total WeGo bus service hours, along with 24-hour service and decreased wait times
17 new park and ride locations
Signals:
592 smart signals that can improve traffic flow and get you to your destination faster
Sidewalks:
86 miles of new or upgraded sidewalks, so commuters don’t need to rely on cars
50% increase in walkable neighborhoods
Safety:
35 high-injury intersection safety improvements to ensure our roads are safe for all Nashvillians (and fixing those darn pot holes!!!)
Full transit plan:
Transit centers are proposed in West Nashville, SoBro, Madison, Donelson, Antioch, Bellevue, on Nolensville and Dickerson pikes, and near Tennessee State and Vanderbilt universities.
Visit this website to see the exact details.
But how is it funded?
In order to pay for the Choose How You Move plan, 0.5% will be added to the local sales tax. Nashvillians pay 6.25% in combined state and local sales tax on most groceries (except prepared foods). The proposed half-cent increase would bring that to 6.75%.
That equals to an average of a $6 increase per month or $72 per year for each Nashvillian.
That tax surcharge of Nashville residents only pays for 28% of the plan, however, as 30% will be funded by federal dollars, and the rest (42%) will be paid by tourists and out-of-town visitors.
Final thoughts…
This plan is too good to pass on. For just a price cheaper than one pumpkin spice latte per month, you get upgraded public transportation to accommodate all Nashvillians, increased traffic flow, making Nashville more walkable and more safe!
So, before you turn in your ballot, make sure you vote FOR the referendum and FOR Nashville.