Regional Needs

Vital for the Success of Regional Transit

Mayor Karl Dean has led a push for regional mass transit, which he said “has finally started to receive the serious attention it deserves. But as those efforts continue to move forward, we also have to find ways to improve how people get around our city.”

Dean adds, “It's vital for the success of regional transit – people need to able to get around if they arrive here by bus or train. And it's also important as we work to attract new residents, new jobs and grow in a sustainable way that will maintain our high quality of life.”

Other Related Studies

The Nashville Area MPO has committed to facilitating the development of a 10-county vision for regional transit – working alongside the Clarksville MPO, TDOT, the Regional Transportation Authority, and local transit agencies. The following studies are important to efforts to improve regional transit opportunities in the greater Nashville area.

Mass Transit Choices for a
Growing Cumberland Region

Nashville MPO 2035 Transportation Plan

The MPO's new Regional Transportation Plan establishes guiding principles, goals and objectives for the enhancement of Middle Tennessee's transportation system over the next 25 years. It details a multi-modal strategy to support the economic growth and prosperity goals of the region's communities, while dealing with the problems of future congestion, concerns for the health, safety and security of travelers, as well as the negative effects that system expansion has on the natural and socio-cultural environment. The plan was developed according to the following guiding principles:

  • Livability—Enhance quality-of-life by supporting increased opportunities for affordable housing, education, jobs, recreation, and civic involvement without increasing the burden on citizens to enjoy their community;
  • Prosperity—Contribute to regional economic well-being through transportation solutions that reduce the cost of living and doing business, increase access to education, jobs and amenities, and attract new investment;
  • Sustainability—Support growth and prosperity without sacrificing public health, natural and socio-cultural resources, or the financial stability of this or future generations;
  • Diversity—Recognize the multitude of needs and variety of perspectives and backgrounds of Middle Tennessee's citizenry by promoting a range of transportation choices designed with sensitivity to the desired context.

Learn more about the Nashville MPO 2035 Transportation Plan

Northeast Corridor Mobility Study (2010)

The study is a comprehensive planning effort in the region's 30-mile long Northeast Corridor focused on developing transportation investment strategies that support the priorities of communities between downtown Nashville and Gallatin, TN. The study, which is nearly complete, examines the economic growth potential of various land use and urban design scenarios for the fast growing corridor en route to evaluating potential transportation projects like passenger rail and bus rapid transit. The MPO has been working with citizens and businesses throughout the area to help shape the future of transportation in the corridor.

Learn more about the Northeast Corridor Mobility Study

Southeast Corridor Alternatives Analysis (2007)

The Southeast Corridor High-Performance Transit Alternatives Study looked at potential transit systems that could be built in the corridor between the cities of Nashville and Murfreesboro. The study considered several high performance transit alternatives and compared the cost and benefits of those alternatives to determine a transit solution that includes both short-term and long-term recommendations. The Locally Preferred Alternative selected was a combination of phased bus service enhancements, including development of express bus and skip stop bus services on I-24 and Murfreesboro Road (US 41/70S), and extended local bus service on Murfreesboro Road.

Learn more about the Southeast Corridor Alternatives Analysis