In a bid to reduce traffic congestion in downtown Nashville, especially near entertainment hubs like Broadway, the Nashville Department of Transportation is introducing designated rideshare zones. These zones would guide where rideshare vehicles, such as those from Uber and Lyft, can pick up and drop off passengers during certain hours, as reported by FOX 17.
Currently, rideshare drivers in Nashville have been known to stop mid-street or park illegally while waiting for passengers, contributing to the city's growing traffic issues. The proposed zoning system will be integrated into rideshare company contracts, ensuring drivers automatically know where they can, and cannot operate for pickups and drop-offs, as per information from WSMV.
Set to test out near the Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC), the pilot program will geofence two zones on Deaderick Street into the rideshare apps. This initiative aims not only to improve traffic flow but also to enhance rider safety and bring better organization to picking up theatre-goers, according to WKRN. Monique McClain, both a rideshare driver and member of the Tennessee Drivers' Union, expressed support for the pilot, saying, "I’m ecstatic because this means that they understand that they want to have a safe pick up and an efficient pick up for the people that want to attend."
If the pilot, which is scheduled to run from January 28 through February 23, is successful, Nashville may consider adding a trip fee for pickups in the designated areas to offset the estimated $1,100 loss in parking revenue. This fee would help the city recoup funds typically obtained from parking space, and potentially expand the program to other parts of the city. McClain is hopeful about the results, "This is exactly what we want," she told WKRN, "If we can show them how well it works, then maybe other businesses will take inventory of this and say, ‘How about we try it?'"
