Nashville's Mayor Freddie O'Connell has taken a decisive step toward enhancing the city's transportation landscape with the launch of 11 key projects under the Choose How You Move (CHYM) program. As cited from the official announcement on Nashville's government website, O'Connell expressed confidence that these initial projects will forge a path for future improvements, noting, "We are celebrating several foundational steps that will pave the way for future improvements." He also underscored the personal benefits for the city's residents, stating, "We deserve more time with our friends and family and less time simply trying to get to them."
The endeavor, which sees the enhancement of public transit and infrastructure, is expected to be funded by a supplemental budget submitted by Mayor O’Connell to the Metro Council, with the sales tax surcharge projected to generate $59.3 million by June 30, 2025. In a gesture to manifest the city’s commitment to inclusivity, a Low-income Fare Subsidy Program is set to increase access to free, or reduced fares on WeGo Public Transit. Alongside, is the WeGo Service Expansion that promises to make public transportation more frequent and accessible by integrating 12 new buses.
Other standout initiatives include the Murfreesboro Pike Queue Jump, which will enable buses to circumvent nearly 1,400 feet of queued traffic and save precious minutes for commuters, and the West End Curbside Bus Lane Pilot aiming to significantly smooth the ride on one of the busiest corridors in the city. The city is also set to entrench itself in the future of transport technology with systemwide fiber installations for signal upgrades, showcasing a forward-thinking approach to managing traffic.
Further plans include the development of the South Broadway Transit Center to decentralize current networks and an overhaul of public transit security, which will involve the appointment of the first Transit Liaison within the Metro Nashville Police Department and an increase in contracted security hours. Groundwork is also being laid for a new bus operations and maintenance facility, as the current Myatt and Nestor locations have reached their capacity threshold due to service expansions. Moreover, design efforts are underway for Main Street/Gallatin Pike All-Access Corridor Phase 1, envisioned to be a fusion of transit lanes, pedestrian pathways, and bike facilities.
The CHYM program is envisaged as a 15-year iterative endeavor, where each year’s developments provide a stepping stone for subsequent improvements. All information provided herein has been sourced from an official announcement released by the Nashville government.
