What the Fed’s Latest Decision Means for Buyers & Sellers
March 20, 2025
Nashville is embarking on a bold journey to reimagine its transit system and public infrastructure, setting the stage for a more accessible, efficient, and interconnected city. With a vote on November 5, residents overwhelmingly supported Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s $3.1 billion transit referendum, paving the way for a 15-year plan that will reshape Nashville’s roads, sidewalks, and bus systems. This unprecedented project marks Nashville’s first dedicated funding source for public transit and includes transformative changes that will impact daily commutes and the overall quality of life.
The newly approved plan hinges on higher local sales taxes, which will increase by half a percentage point beginning February 1, 2025. This revenue, coupled with federal grants and Metro borrowing, will fund an expansive project that could cost $6.9 billion over 15 years to build, operate, and maintain. The ambitious proposal includes creating “all-access corridors” for high-frequency, dedicated bus lanes, upgrading traffic signals, and adding 86 miles of new or upgraded sidewalks to improve pedestrian safety.
In the first year, the city will focus on enhancing WeGo Public Transit services, initiating work on 86 miles of sidewalk upgrades, and installing cameras and fiber optics at 600 intersections. These improvements will allow for real-time traffic flow monitoring and more synchronized traffic signals to ease congestion across Davidson County.
Within two years, WeGo Public Transit will expand its hours and increase bus frequency, catering to Nashville’s growing population and their needs. Sidewalk enhancements and traffic signal upgrades will also continue, creating a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists alike.
By Year 5, Nashville will introduce the first high-frequency bus corridors on key routes, including West End Avenue, Charlotte Pike, and a downtown route connecting SoBro to WeGo’s Elizabeth Duff Transit Center. These corridors will feature lanes dedicated solely to buses, allowing faster, more reliable commutes on these major roads.
As Nashville’s population grows, so does the need for accessible and safe pedestrian routes. By Year 10, 60 miles of new or upgraded sidewalks will be completed, covering approximately 70% of the total planned sidewalks. High-frequency bus service will extend to additional corridors, including Murfreesboro Pike, Gallatin Pike, Clarksville Pike, and new service to the East Bank area.
At the end of the 15-year period, all 86 miles of sidewalk improvements will be complete, nearly 600 intersections will be upgraded with cutting-edge technology, and the high-frequency bus service will cover critical routes such as Dickerson Pike and Nolensville Pike. The city will also unveil its first “Complete Street” project, an inclusive roadway design that accommodates pedestrians, cyclists, drivers, and public transit users.
Mayor O’Connell’s transit vision for Nashville includes reducing traffic congestion, improving transit access, and fostering a safer environment for all residents. The establishment of “all-access corridors” and high-frequency bus routes aims to make public transit a viable option for more residents, promoting sustainable commuting and reducing the city’s carbon footprint. Additionally, upgrading Nashville’s sidewalks and intersections will contribute to a more walkable, pedestrian-friendly city.
To oversee the project, Nashville recently posted a job listing for a Chief Program Officer for the “Choose How You Move” initiative. This role will require strategic leadership and technical expertise to coordinate all aspects of the transit plan, reflecting the city’s commitment to seeing this ambitious vision through. Metro Finance and its procurement division will also be holding information sessions for companies interested in contributing to the implementation of the plan.
This transit overhaul is expected to reduce traffic congestion by providing more public transit options and encouraging residents to rely less on personal vehicles. The dedicated funding for transit ensures that Nashville can finally build the infrastructure needed to keep up with its rapid growth, making the city more livable and sustainable.
In 15 years, Nashville residents can look forward to a city where traffic flows more smoothly, transit options are accessible and reliable, and pedestrians and cyclists can navigate safely. This is more than just a transit plan—it’s a commitment to building a city where mobility is accessible, sustainable, and inclusive for everyone.
