Mayor Freddie O’Connell recently formally announced his administration’s push for a transit referendum on the November ballot. As a lifelong Nashvillian and one who has seen our city — along with its traffic — grow exponentially, I commend Mayor O’Connell for his strategic vision and commitment to addressing the city’s transit challenges. The Nashville Scene reported back in November that “O’Connell emphasized that any plan must proceed deliberately and include community buy-in — his attempts to avoid repeating 2018.” As Mayor O’Connell said when launching the transit push: “We’re going to focus on the things we know work, that are cost-effective, that are useful, that are visible, that are popular.”
I remember all the befuddled comments in 2018 surrounding that year’s proposed mass transit plan. Many at that time were unable to get a clear vision of what then-Mayor Megan Barry was proposing. According to a recent opinion piece by The Tennessean’s David Plazas, that proposal’s light-rail plan, underground tunnel and multibillion-dollar price tag — which seemed to fluctuate from $5.4 billion to $9 billion — had many concerned. At that point in time, there was not a clearly defined plan that residents felt comfortable buying into. In the discussions I personally heard, some commented that underground tunnels and light rail made them uncomfortable because they feared Nashville would lose its small-town charm. But Nashville is no longer a small town. As Mayor O’Connell has said, “We’re a big city, and it’s time to act like one. This is, in many ways, our last best chance to take a huge step forward together as a city.”
Sadly, Forbes recently ranked Nashville’s commute “the worst in America.” So it’s time for a plan. And as Mayor O’Connell noted: “We’ve been on the move in so many ways over the past couple of decades, except with regard to this basic principle of how we move around our own city. We’ve been stuck in neutral, and we’ve got to move.”
The exact cost of the proposed transit plan is yet to be disclosed. I commend the mayor for waiting until the plan is solidified and ready for a legally required financial audit. It’s a responsible way to handle things, as opposed to getting everyone riled up over things yet unknown. Regarding the contentious issue of light rail, the mayor hasn’t ruled it out entirely, but he has made it clear that heavy investment in that direction may not be necessary to achieve the city’s transit goals. As for the underground tunnel, the mayor has explained that “this plan will not have a billion-dollar tunnel under downtown.”
From the beginning, I’ve appreciated Mayor O’Connell’s well-thought-out approach. I further appreciate his focus on the basics, like 24/7 bus service, more sidewalks and heightened public safety, upgrading traffic signals, access from the airport and more. His emphasis on addressing practical issues rather than pursuing grandiose projects is more appropriate for where we are as a city. Not only does it resonate with our city’s residents, as Plazas notes, even one of the most vocal opponents of the 2018 measure, Americans for Prosperity Tennessee, is taking a “wait and see” approach.
A well-executed mass transit plan is a cornerstone for the continued growth and prosperity of Nashville. Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s wise, discerning approach to this complex issue is commendable. By addressing the city’s transit challenges with urgency, transparency and practicality, he is steering Nashville toward a future where the benefits of a dependable transit system are accessible to all. Thanks, Mayor O’Connell.
Bill Freeman
Bill Freeman is the owner of FW Publishing, the publishing company that produces the Nashville Scene, Nfocus, the Nashville Post and The News.
