Transit Planning Efforts

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 will examine 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 is currently looking to citizens and businesses throughout the area to help shape the future of transportation in the corridor.

Regional Transit Master Plan (2010)

The Regional Transit Plan will be a transit vision for the region that will provide a blueprint for implementation of transit services as the region strives to develop a dedicated funding source for public transportation. The plan will be developed in coordination with all the transit agencies in the 10-county region and will help guide, evaluate and prioritize the establishment and expansion of high capacity transit corridors and investments across the region. It will also be a tool to strengthen the regional connectivity and mobility of transit users.

MTA Master Plan (2009)

Nashville Metropolitan Transit Authority's (MTA) Strategic Transit Master Plan is a guide to help MTA set forth a set of guiding principles and policies for improving public transportation in Nashville/Davidson County, as well as describe actions and projects for the short, medium and long term. The plan is an action-oriented strategy that leads MTA closer to the long-term vision established through local collaboration and the long range transportation plan adopted by the MPO. The Master Plan will identify specific capital and operational services to be prioritized and implemented within the proposed planning horizons.

Northwest Corridor Conceptual Feasibility Study (2009)

Initial feasibility study to look at the corridor between the cities of Clarksville and Nashville to determine if commuter rail is feasible in this corridor, determine the most likely alignment, develop a preliminary capitol cost estimate, and a potential operating schedule and operations budget. The results of the study will allow the officials involved to make a more informed decision on whether to invest in the next steps toward a commuter rail. The study was developed in coordination with Montgomery County, Cheatham County, the City of Clarksville, TDOT, the Clarksville Urbanized Area MPO, and the Nashville Area MPO.

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

City of Gallatin Transit Feasibility Study (2005)

The study was prepared in coordination with the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) for planning assistance to study the feasibility of starting new transit services in Gallatin. The study analyzed the need and feasibility of implementing local transit services in the City of Gallatin and identified a preliminary plan to provide those services including connection to regional express bus services.

City of Lebanon Transit Feasibility Study (2005)

The study was prepared in coordination with the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) for planning assistance to study the feasibility of starting new transit services in the city of Lebanon. The study analysis took into consideration the proposed implementation of commuter rail services for the Music City Star East Corridor between Nashville and Lebanon as an opportunity to study the feasibility of intra-city transit and its possible role in making the rail service more accessible to City residents and workers and enhance mobility in the community.

City of Murfreesboro Transit Service & Management Alternatives (2005)

In October 2000, The City of Murfreesboro Transit Feasibility Study was completed. It identified potential transit routes and their associated operating and capital costs for transit implementation in Murfreesboro. The 2005 Transit Service and Management Alternatives Study was a follow up the 2000 study aimed to review and update the transit needs, review and refine the service alternatives, and identify management and operations options.

Nashville Area Transit Development Plan (2003)

The study identified areas of the region where transit services would be a reasonable part of the mobility system and produced guidance on development strategies to increase the potential for transit to be successful. It assessed the existing conditions for transit at the time for the 10-county region, identified areas where transit appeared to be feasible and described recommendation strategies that could be used to enhance transit's potential in areas not considered feasible.

Regional Transportation Funding - A Strategic Review (2002)

This study provides information on how transportation projects and programs have been funded by the various jurisdictions and outlines alternative sources for future consideration. The report constitutes a survey of transportation funding as they existed at the time of its development and lays out funding options that could be considered by the Nashville Area MPO in the future. The report contains three main sections: Transportation Needs, Existing Transportation Funding and Expenditures, and Recommended Funding Sources.