NashTransit

A Good Day to Ride!

noreply@blogger.com (drewbert) — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 05:15:00 +0000

When the Metro budget shortfall hit MTA back in the summer of 2008, the Vine Hill route was nearly dead last in ridership and revenue. It would have taken the complete restoration of funds cut by the Metro budget, plus $2.5 million, to save it along with all the other cut routes. Obviously, that didn't happen.

So why is the route back*? Vanderbilt Health 100 Oaks. Or more succinctly, I believe, Vanderbilt. While all the new business growth coinciding with the new 100 Oaks Health is great, it's not enough to support a bus all by itself. The new #1 100 Oaks bus is primarily a commuter route for employees - that much is clear from the bus' schedule. I have no proof to back it up, but I wouldn't be surprised if Vanderbilt used some of their considerable pull to make it happen. I wouldn't be surprised if someday they do it again elsewhere! The university certainly has an interest in regional mass transit.

But there are still plenty of people in the Vine Hill area and other parts of south Nashville who also welcome the restoration of service through their neighborhood. If you want this bus to succeed, enough that its schedule could expand to include the midday and weekends, the solution is simple and obvious: ride!

If you're not a regular rider, a good time to start is during Transit Now Nashville's Transit Week, April 12-18. Try out the new Music City Circuit, also starting today.

This downtown circulator is an important step for mass transit in our city. It’s one thing to get to downtown by bus. It's another thing to get around downtown without a vehicle. (Anyone who's ever tried to walk to and from the Farmer's Market knows what I'm talking about. My feet are sore just thinking about it.) Will downtown workers feel comfortable leaving their cars at home all day? How about tourists, or those folks who live downtown? Will they take advantage of Music City Circuit? Will it in turn help build ridership of the Music City Star? Time will tell, but again the best way to make it all happen: ride!

As for me, I'll be trying them all out today!

* Before some pedant catches me: I have to be careful when I say the old route is back - it's a slightly different route, with a new name. But it serves most of the same destinations that the old Vine Hill bus did.)

Thinking big

noreply@blogger.com (drewbert) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 03:41:00 +0000

Talk about the future of mass transit in Nashville was all over the Tennessean's editorial page today. The message: it's time to get started, and time to be thinking big, and long-term.

Where's NashTransit?

noreply@blogger.com (drewbert) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 02:22:00 +0000

So, uh, I've been away for a bit.

A good portion of the reason is that on most days I find myself either too busy or too lazy, and seldom anywhere in between. Turns out I'm not much of a blogger!

But I had to come back at least for a moment to celebrate the good news that MTA is introducing a new bus from downtown to 100 Oaks. This new bus route is similar (though not identical) to the one I used to ride, the #1 Vine Hill. That route, along with several others, was eliminated due to MTA budget shortfalls in the summer of 2008. It was because of those cuts that this blog started in the first place.

It's fair to say that if it wasn't my own personal daily ride that had gotten cut, this site wouldn't be here, and I probably wouldn't have gotten involved, even in the peripheral way I've been. And now that 'my' bus is coming back, I could just decide to close up shop. But these are exciting times for public transportation in middle Tennessee. A lot is happening!

So from now on NashTransit is going to mostly hang out on Twitter. You already ought to be following @transitnownash and @walkbikenash, but I don't think I'll overlap them too much. I'm not an urban planner or a transit policy wonk at heart; I'm just a guy who rides the bus every day. I hope to bring that sort of perspective, and I'd love to hear comments from other riders. Anything from local transit news to that weird guy who sat next to you on the bus is fair game. Let's have a conversation! And if I think of anything else worth saying that takes up more than 140 characters, this blog will still be here.

(I'm tempted to also point to news from MTA, but I'm hesitant because it would be far better if MTA did that itself, especially when it comes to schedule changes and detour announcements. So MTA: get on Twitter too!)

See you at @nashtransit!

Welcome to Route #56, Gallatin BRT

noreply@blogger.com (drewbert) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 05:12:00 +0000

Now this is what I call a schedule.

Google Transit Goes Live for Nashville

noreply@blogger.com (drewbert) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 19:31:00 +0000

Google Maps now includes information on Nashville MTA routes. Try it out!!

Not Enough?

noreply@blogger.com (drewbert) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 04:40:00 +0000

JB at Imagine Title Here asks some good questions about Bus Rapid Transit, in response to yesterday's City Paper article. Is mere BRT 'Light' (without a dedicated lane) enough to get BRT established and accepted in Nashville?

He compares to the choice to begin passenger rail in Nashville by building a route to Lebanon. While less expensive to build than other options, that's not where the most demand is.

That's a difference - there is demonstrated demand for public transportation along the route to Gallatin. the #26 route is far and away the best performing MTA route. BRT, even in incomplete form, will get used. When funds are available to free up or build a dedicated traffic lane, all the better.

Still, the City Paper has a point - being stuck in traffic on a BRT bus isn't much different from being stuck in traffic on a regular bus. Only a dedicated lane will highlight the distinct advantages of commuting by BRT. Here's hoping we get to see it's full potential soon.

City Paper on BRT

noreply@blogger.com (drewbert) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:15:00 +0000

Nashville's BRT is ‘lite’ alternative to alternative transportation

Stranded?

noreply@blogger.com (drewbert) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 23:02:00 +0000

Transportation For America asks, are you stranded at the station?

Strategic Master Plan Draft Posted

noreply@blogger.com (drewbert) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 20:19:00 +0000

MTA has posted the first draft of its Strategic Master Plan. Lots and lots of details. They've put a whole lot of work into this.

A few things coming soon: Bus Rapid Transit along Gallatin Road is starting in September. Fifteen stops between Music City Central and Sam's Club. At peak times, it will have a 15 minute frequency. Also, look for a Downtown Circulator route coming in the spring.

Nance Arena Landport

noreply@blogger.com (drewbert) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:34:00 +0000

Since Nance Arena Landport is on land potentially to be used for a new convention center, MTA is now moving those transfers to Music City Central. This makes up many of the route changes effective August 2.

Metro magnet schools are changing start times to accommodate: Tennessean

Route Changes

noreply@blogger.com (drewbert) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:23:00 +0000

Route changes coming August 2. Details here.

New Public Hearings Soon!

noreply@blogger.com (drewbert) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 16:10:00 +0000

Four MTA public hearings are scheduled for the last week in July:

Tuesday 7/28, 5 - 6:30 pm
North Branch Library, 1001 Monroe St
Wednesday 7/29, 11:30 am - 1pm
Music City Central (Community Meeting Room), 400 Charlotte Ave
Wednesday 7/29, 5 - 6:30 pm
Southeast Branch Library, 2325 Hickory Highlands Dr
Thursday 7/30, 5 - 6:30 pm
Green Hills Library, 3701 Benham Ave.

These meetings cover the Strategic Plan MTA has been working on, to lay out the next 25 years of public transit in Nashville. MTA says the draft strategic plan will be posted on their site on the 28th. The planning process is nearing its end, so this is the time to speak up.

If you have comments and can't make the meetings (or even if you can!) email them to mta.publicmeetings@nashville.gov. (And post 'em here, too!)

Oh, and about that dedicated funding source?

noreply@blogger.com (drewbert) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 23:47:00 +0000

"Governor Phil Bredesen today signed four pieces of legislation into law at a ceremonial bill signing ceremony at the Capitol."
...
"Regional transportation authorities that work improve mass and increase mass transit options on a multi-county or regional level are allowed to establish their own dedicated funding sources under new provisions to the Tennessee law."

tennesseeanytime.org

Where's that Bus?

noreply@blogger.com (drewbert) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0000

MTA Buses Going High-Tech - Newschannel 5

Actually, I thought GPS units were already installed on all the buses (which is how they know when to announce the next the next stop over the loudspeakers), but soon the GPS data will be put to much better use. Cool!

Lots going on!

noreply@blogger.com (drewbert) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 02:53:00 +0000

There's a public hearing tomorrow (June 2nd at 6:30 pm) on Metro Nashville's operating budget for the next fiscal year. Drop by the Metro Courthouse and put in a good word for public transit! Or, if you're not all into that public oration thing, just write your council representative.

Discuss the future of mass transit in Nashville at a town hall meeting at the Civic Design Center downtown. It's this Thursday, June 4, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.

And finally, the really good news: even as gas prices are rising at the pump, diesel prices for MTA will be stable for the next two years. So no big unpleasant surprises anytime soon, and we may likely see improved service later this year.

That New Bus Smell

noreply@blogger.com (drewbert) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 02:34:00 +0000

MTA's brand new hybrid buses made a debut today. Here are some pictures from the first trip, with local media, transit officials, mayor Karl Dean and other guests in attendance.

Our trip was just a quick jaunt out to East Literature Magnet School, and back downtown on another hybrid bus. This was a real scheduled bus trip, and we picked up a few surprised passengers along the way.

It really did have that new bus smell! It was a nice smooth ride. Obviously, it's also much quieter than the traditional diesel buses. Much easier to carry on a conversation with 61 of your closest friends when you're not competing with a noisy engine.

Of course the real benefits are in fuel efficiency. Channel 5 reports MTA CEO Paul Ballard as saying the new buses are 34 percent more fuel efficient. Maintenance costs are also reduced.

There are currently 6 new buses, each costing about $840,000. That's about $140,000 more than a new diesel bus, so it will take a few years to make up the difference, depending on the price of oil. If you're thinking long term, though, this is the way to go.

These new buses will be running the usually jam-packed #26 Gallatin Road route. Soon they'll be destined for the bus rapid transit (BRT) route along the same corridor. Like most MTA buses, they have GPS systems on board. With BRT, traffic lights along the route will 'know' the buses are coming. Buses won't change red lights to green (wouldn't we all like that technology!) but they will keep green lights green a little longer if it will help the bus keep on schedule.

Thanks to MTA for the sneak peek!

New Routes Posted

noreply@blogger.com (drewbert) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 00:48:00 +0000

New bus schedules are posted on MTA's web site.

(Turns out #8 isn't every half hour at peak times, but it is a more frequent.)

Route Changes

noreply@blogger.com (drewbert) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 03:55:00 +0000

Several route schedules are changing come March 29. Pick up a summary of the changes on the bus or download it here. Some of the specifics haven't been posted yet as far as I can tell. I have heard that the #8 8th avenue is going back to every half hour during rush hour.

Stimulus

noreply@blogger.com (drewbert) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 03:13:00 +0000

Tennessean: Buses Drive Stimulus Plan

Petition for the #1 Vine Hill Route

noreply@blogger.com (drewbert) — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:07:00 +0000

So this morning on the bus, a woman comes around with a petition to reinstate the route #1 Vine Hill bus. She got on about 30 seconds before my stop so I had just barely time to sign and didn't get the chance to get any more information.

So if you see her, please tell her about this site and to get in contact with me. Thanks!

Sometimes I'm a little skeptical about petitions and how useful they are, but there are a lot of us who want that route back and so it's definitely worth a shot. There's still also the hope that once Vanderbilt at 100 Oaks is fully open for business in August that will bring increased demand for bus service.

[update 3/11/09: I've heard that 500+ signatures have been sent to MTA!]

How Charlotte Got Its Light Rail, and What's Happened Since

noreply@blogger.com (drewbert) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:54:00 +0000

As the folks at Transit Now Nashville have noted, this episode of NOW on PBS is a must-see.

The Transit Paradox, or, Stranded in St. Louis

noreply@blogger.com (drewbert) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:25:00 +0000

Compared to other transit cuts in other cities, maybe we got off lucky. Or maybe proportionally speaking, we didn't have as much to cut. Anyway, transit systems in other cities are hurting in this economy. And how can you contribute to the economy if you can't get to work?

How do we break the cycle?

New York Times: Rider Paradox - Surge in Mass, Drop in Transit

Off-Topic... Or is it?

noreply@blogger.com (drewbert) — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 03:25:00 +0000

From the Nashville Scene's annual Boner Awards, posted last month:

Harder to kill than a George A. Romero zombie—yet possessing half the IQ points—the shameful English Only bill survived to plague yet another year. Unfazed by a legal maneuver that would have kept it off the ballot, its chief proponent, council member Eric Crafton, rallied enough signatures to demand a special election. That's right, folks: Thanks to Crafton, at a time when people are losing jobs in this cash-strapped city, Nashville will have to spend an estimated half-million taxpayer dollars to answer whether all municipal business should be conducted in English. The best part? If ratified (shudder), the bill wouldn't even save the city money, since the services it would eliminate aren't even offered.

The on-topic part of this: we're spending half a million dollars on a special election to decide on this senseless, useless, hurtful bill. Meanwhile Metro Council couldn't find enough money to keep all the buses running.

You've already paid for this election, so go vote in it. Preferably No.

Master Plan Update

noreply@blogger.com (drewbert) — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 02:48:00 +0000

Remember those public meetings back in November? Seems like an eternity ago. Anyway, the next round of meetings is coming up soon. Here's the schedule:

Tuesday, Jan 20, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Antioch Community Center - 5023 Blue Hole Road
Tuesday, Jan 20, 4 to 6:30 p.m.
East Library - 206 Gallatin Road
Wednesday, Jan 21, 7 to 9 a.m.
Music City Central (Community Meeting Room) - 400 Charlotte Ave.
Wednesday, Jan 21, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Looby Library - 2301 Rosa L. Parks Blvd.
Thursday, Jan 22, 4 to 6:30 p.m.
University School of Nashville - 2000 Edgehill Ave.

Not to continually harp on the fairly inconvenient schedule, but I'm not the only one who thinks so. Worse, the first meeting is being held during the Presidential Inauguration. How about something downtown on a Saturday morning or afternoon for once? A convenient time and place for those who'll be taking a bus there.

Anyway, email is still an option, so if you have comments, there's a link right on the MTA home page.

Developing the Plan

noreply@blogger.com (drewbert) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 04:37:00 +0000

MTA's recent public meetings were geared towards the development of their next Strategic Master Plan. Today they posted on their web site the background information they presented during those meetings. They're still looking for input from you!