Nashville Metropolitan Transit Authority
The Nashville Metropolitan Transit Authority (Nashville MTA), which does business as WeGo Public Transit, is a public transportation agency based in Nashville, Tennessee. Consisting of city buses and paratransit, the system serves Nashville and Davidson County. In 2023, the system had a ridership of 7,634,900, or about 27,700 per weekday as of the fourth quarter of 2023. For 2023, the Nashville MTA expected to collect $5.2 million in fare revenue and to spend $99.3 million in operation. To make up most of the difference, MTA expected to collect subsidies from the city, state, and national governments.[3]
MTA partnered with the Metro Arts Commission, which commissioned six artist-designed transit shelters are placed along the new 28th/31st Avenue Bridge.[4][5]
The MTA was the only transit agency in the country to implement payment with credit card at the fare box. That proof of payment approach was discontinued in March 2009.
Nashville Connector program[edit]
The Nashville Connector is a program that partners with both city and private sectors to connect commuters to more sustainable commuting options.[62] Nashville used to be a town where everything with a 15-minute drive, but with the booming population, jobs and homes are spreading out. The idea of a short commute is something of the past (this is the epitome of urban sprawl); the Nashville Connector serves as a way to close this gap and make commuting in a more sustainable fashion a better and more accessible option. The push towards making a more commuter friendly city – resulting in social connection as seen through transportation – comes with many other secondary perks; these include, but are not limited to, the reinforcement of complete streets, a decrease in pollutants, and a decrease in congestion. Nashville Connector provides a plethora of services; this spans from getting people connected to bus routes and carpools, but also connects people to different bike routes around the city, and facilitates a safe walking space.[63]
Nashville Connector was founded by the Metro Planning Department, and works closely with the Metro Public Work staff.[64]
Expansion[edit]
nMotion[edit]
The MTA/RTA transit system is conducting a strategic planning process called nMotion to find new and innovative ways to improve transportation in Nashville.[65] nMotion is the Nashville MTA/RTA's Strategic Plan, a 25-year comprehensive plan designed to meet the Nashville area's vision for transit. The plan will look at how the transit system works today and identify opportunities to enhance the transit system, improve service, attract and retain new riders and meet the growing needs of the Nashville region. Throughout the project, the public will engage in developing the blueprint of actions to make the best opportunities a reality.[66]
In March 2016, Nashville MTA/RTA began asking for input on three future scenarios for the region's transit system at a series of community meetings. Each scenario presents different transit options for Davidson County and Middle Tennessee. At the meetings, attendees have the chance to review the scenarios and provide input on which strategies the region should consider improving its transit system.[67]
Cancelled and rejected projects[edit]
The Amp (formally known as the East-West Connector)[edit]
Mayor Karl Dean had his eyes set on a full-fledged bus rapid transit system taking passengers from West End Avenue down Broadway, across the river to East Nashville's Five Points district. The Amp (formally known as the East-West Connector) would have begun at Five Points in East Nashville and extends down Broadway, West End and Harding Road to White Bridge Road.
The difference between the AMP and the BRT Lite (at the time only available in operation along Gallatin Road and Murfreesboro Pike) is that the former would have been a full-fledged bus rapid transit system, with buses occupying exclusive lanes of traffic.[68][69]
On the afternoon of January 22, 2015, Nashville Metropolitan Transit Authority announced that it will "cease work on the Amp," though strategic planning for mass transit in the region will continue.[70]