Mayor Freddie O’Connell expressed his satisfaction following the Metro Council’s unanimous approval to place the transportation referendum, “Choose How You Move,” on the November ballot. This initiative aims to improve Nashville’s transportation infrastructure, focusing on sidewalks, signals, service, and safety.
The transportation program, which follows three other unanimously passed legislations this year, has garnered strong community support. According to a Vanderbilt poll, 84 percent of Nashvillians back the referendum, while 90 percent of respondents from Imagine Nashville agree on the importance of investing in public transportation.
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Mayor O’Connell highlighted the program’s comprehensive nature, which incorporates over 66,000 community suggestions collected over more than a decade. The initiative promises enhancements in every Council district and could potentially attract up to $1.4 billion in state and federal funding.
Key components of “Choose How You Move” include:
– 86 miles of sidewalk improvements.
– 54 miles of upgraded transit corridors.
– A 24/7/365 transit system doubling frequent service and crosstown routes.
– 12 community transit centers connected to each other.
– 17 new park-and-ride facilities.
– 35 miles of new and upgraded bicycle facilities.
– Traffic signal upgrades at nearly 600 intersections.
The program aims to lower living costs by reducing the necessity for car ownership, estimated by AAA to cost $1,000 monthly for residents. An independent review by Kraft CPAs confirmed the feasibility of the financing plan for the initiative.
The official ballot language, approved by the Metro Council, outlines the program’s objectives and funding strategy, which includes federal grants, transportation system fares, debt, and a 0.5% sales tax surcharge that will terminate once all related debts are paid off.
The Election Commission will now hold a final vote to include the program on the November ballot. Mayor O’Connell plans to join Metro Council members for a ceremonial signing of the program at the Nashville Public Library Bordeaux Branch, following a ribbon cutting for WeGo’s 300th Bus Shelter installation.
Metro Council members expressed their support, emphasizing the program’s potential to improve quality of life and make transportation more accessible and efficient for all Nashvillians.
For more detailed information, residents can use the interactive maps on transit.nashville.gov to see neighborhood-specific improvements.
Source: Read Original Release
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