For over ten years, Nashville residents have expressed their views on enhancing the city’s transportation system. On November 5th, they will vote on the Choose How You Move Transit Improvement Program referendum. This marks the first opportunity for residents to allocate revenue directly towards transportation improvements, which could increase Nashville’s eligibility for federal transportation grants for the first time in 25 years.
Mayor Freddie O’Connell, who championed dedicated transportation funding during his campaign, initiated a transition committee that recommended prompt action on a transportation referendum. Currently, Nashville households spend more on transportation than on housing, with the Economic Policy Institute reporting significant costs associated with owning and maintaining a vehicle.
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Imagine Nashville has found that 90% of residents prioritize public transportation investments, and a Vanderbilt poll showed 84% support for a transportation referendum. In response, the mayor’s office developed a comprehensive transportation improvement program aimed at maximizing impact across Nashville at minimal cost.
Unveiled in April at the Southeast Community Center, the Choose How You Move program promises significant improvements. It aims to eliminate inadequate walking paths, reclaim taxpayer funds spent elsewhere, and involve visitors in funding essential infrastructure. Since April, over 9,000 people have participated in 379 events discussing the program’s details.
The program’s main features include 86 miles of new or upgraded sidewalks, extended high-frequency service hours, 12 neighborhood transit centers, smart signal upgrades at intersections, and safety enhancements at key locations. The Metro Council unanimously approved the referendum, which proposes a half penny sales tax to fund these initiatives. This could save transit-adjacent residents $200 annually on transportation.
Mayor O’Connell emphasized the importance of taking action, stating that the program is a step towards resolving longstanding transportation issues.
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Knoxville Transit Offers Free Rides on Election Day
Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) will provide free transportation services on Election Day, November 5th, to ensure that all community members can access polling stations easily. The initiative includes all KAT routes and the paratransit service, with regular schedules maintained for the day.