Green Circuit Line buses may be cut in the new public transit plan
Wednesday night marked the end of the public hearing period for future changes to Nashville’s public transit system, and the agency in charge will now consider how to handle upcoming fare hikes and service cuts.
WeGo Public Transit announced its plans to raise prices and eliminate routes back on May 23, citing a shortfall of $8.7 million. Their proposal detailing the changes said that increased operating costs, reduced state funding and a stagnant Metro budget led to “some tough choices.”
The agency, formerly known as Nashville Metro Transit Authority, currently calls for cutting nine bus routes, citing low ridership as the main reason. It also proposed nixing the free Blue and Green Music City Circuit buses, saying the lines cost $4.5 million to operate and that riders can access similar routes downtown. (As Nashville Business Journal notes, the Blue line — which extends to Tennessee State University, Meharry Medical College and Fisk University — will revert to a paid bus route.) Fourteen other bus routes will be altered by the plans, which includes adjusting bus stops and combining bus lines.
Fares and ride passes will increase for all customers except for youth. The cost of an adult one-way ticket will rise from $1.70 to $1.80, while a 31-day pass will rise from $55 to $60.
Some critics have questioned the logic of cutting service when the city continues to see worse traffic and more newcomers. One 2018 study declared Nashville the 20th-most-congested city in the U.S. Meanwhile, 83 new residents move to the area every day. Environmental activists nationwide have also emphasized public transportation’s role in the fight against climate change.
While Nashville may be growing, the transportation budget has not kept up. The Tennessee Department of Transportation reduced funding by $3.8 million, and the Metro Council chose not to increase funding to WeGo.
Last year, voters shot down a multibillion-dollar public transit plan that, in addition to light-rail lines, would have expanded regular bus services.
To prep riders for the changes, the transportation agency held seven meetings around Nashville requesting public comment. In addition to outcry over eliminated routes, residents also said that relocated bus stops still limited or barred their access to the bus.
“The nearest stop is a 15-minute walk, which precludes grocery shopping or crummy weather," said one East Nashville resident at the final hearing, according to WPLN. "So, no, I see it not being a part of my life anymore.” The radio station, which has done extensive coverage of the transit changes, reported that WeGo says it will consider riders’ testimonies before issuing a final decision.
The agency will vote on a final plan on June 27 in a hearing held at Music City Center.
