Follow-Up on Issues Featured on CityVisions
Paul Ballard of MTA Speaks discusses Public Transportation

The Regional Transportation Authority worked with the Federal Transportation Authority and local government to bring commuter rail service to Middle Tennessee.  Operations began in September 2006.

Commuters riding the train will enjoy a comfortable ride while saving on parking, gas and automobile costs. This commuting alternative will not only result in reduced stress for the commuter, it will reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and encourage economic development in our region.

Over time, the RTA hopes to expand commuter service to a regional transit network linking downtown Nashville with the following areas:

• Northeast (Briley Parkway, Hendersonville and Gallatin)
• East (Hermitage, Mt. Juliet and Lebanon)
• Southeast (Hickory Hollow, LaVergne, Smyrna and Murfreesboro)
• South (Brentwood, Cool Springs, Franklin and Columbia)
• West (Belle Meade, Bellevue and Kingston Springs)
• Northwest (Northern Cheatham County including Ashland City)
• North (Robertson County including Springfield)

For more information on the RTA’s Commuter Rail Service, call 615.862.8833 or email them rta@gnrc.org.

The Music City Star
The train runs from Lebanon to Downtown Nashville and back. There are six stations along the route: Lebanon, Martha, Mount Juliet, Hermitage, Donelson, and the Riverfront in Downtown Nashville. The first route leaves Lebanon at 5.45 AM, and the last one returns to Lebanon at 6.35 PM. One-way tickets for the full route are $5.00 each.

Why Is Public Transportation Good for Middle Tennessee – and You?

• Public transportation is more energy-efficient than single-vehicle use – which is good for the wallet.
• Public transportation cuts down on traffic congestion – which is good for you.
• Public transportation cuts down on pollution – which is good for the environment.
• Public transportation – if it’s well-designed – can have a positive impact on real estate prices – which is good for the economy.
• Public transportation ensures that everyone has the opportunity for mobility – which is good for society.
• Public transportation helps deter urban sprawl – which is good for Middle Tennessee.
• Public transportation is part of an efficient transportation infrastructure – which is one of the Ten Principles of The Plan of Nashville. That’s why the Nashville Civic Design Center supports public transportation.